Audi e-tron GT vs BMW i5

The Audi e-tron GT starts from $209,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i5 opens at $155,900. That makes the BMW i5 the more affordable entry point by $54,000.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $230,890 and $171,490 respectively.

Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.

Both the Audi e-tron GT and BMW i5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Audi e-tron GT and 89% for the BMW i5.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi e-tron GT packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the BMW i5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Audi e-tron GT and 6 in the BMW i5.

The Audi e-tron GT features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the BMW i5 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi e-tron GT stands out with ventilated seats, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW i5. The BMW i5 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Audi e-tron GT uses a Electric producing 435kW and 740Nm of torque, sent through a single speed to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds.

The BMW i5 responds with a Electric making 250kW and 430Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.

The Audi e-tron GT has the clear power advantage at 435kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi e-tron GT is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 105kWh (Audi e-tron GT) vs 84kWh (BMW i5), giving WLTP ranges of 559km and 557km. DC fast charging peaks at 320kW (Audi e-tron GT) vs 205kW (BMW i5).

The Audi e-tron GT measures 4,989mm long on a 2,900mm wheelbase, 71mm shorter than the BMW i5 at 5,060mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 405L in the Audi e-tron GT and 500L in the BMW i5, giving the BMW i5 a 95L advantage.

For towing, the BMW i5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi e-tron GT) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i5). Both match on warranty length.