BMW 1 Series vs Fiat 500e
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$59,500RRP
- no option data for this car
$52,500RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the BMW 1 Series & Fiat 500e
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Price Breakdown
The BMW 1 Series starts from $59,500 before on-road costs, while the Fiat 500e opens at $52,500. That makes the Fiat 500e the more affordable entry point by $7,000.
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 $65,450 and $57,750 respectively.
The Fiat 500e currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW 1 Series does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 1 Series and Fiat 500e hold a 4-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 78% for the BMW 1 Series and 78% for the Fiat 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 1 Series and 6 in the Fiat 500e.
Recalls on our record
BMW 1 Series
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006036 · published 26 Jul 2024Some vehicles may have been converted after production with steering wheel variants containing a faulty Takata inflator.Year range on the notice: 2004 - 2014
- REC-000140 · published 21 Jun 2018Due to a possible electrical connection failure to the cars main battery power cable where it connects into the vehicles fuse box, the car may lose power to several electrical systems within the vehicle.Year range on the notice: 2007 - 2011
- 4 more on the model page.
Fiat 500e
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
42kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 85kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 85kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 1 Series features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Fiat 500e gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW 1 Series stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging — features our data doesn't list for the Fiat 500e. The Fiat 500e counters with Apple CarPlay, BeatsAudio audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW 1 Series gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Fiat 500e offers leatherette.
Drivetrain
The BMW 1 Series uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Fiat 500e responds with a Electric making 87kW and 220Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The BMW 1 Series has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 87kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW 1 Series is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 1 Series measures 4,361mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 730mm longer than the Fiat 500e at 3,631mm (2,322mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 1 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 380L in the BMW 1 Series and 185L in the Fiat 500e, giving the BMW 1 Series a 195L advantage. The BMW 1 Series seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 1 Series) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500e). The BMW 1 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 1 Series if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Fiat 500e if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BMW 1 Series: Top CarSorted Score, 72 vs 68, but the Fiat 500e is $7,000 cheaper
The BMW 1 Series comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (72 vs 68), taking 5 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: practicality (BMW 1 Series ahead by 20), reliability (BMW 1 Series ahead by 17), fuel economy (Fiat 500e ahead by 13). If boot space matters, the BMW 1 Series has a clear edge. The BMW 1 Series adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 1 Series and Fiat 500e?
The Fiat 500e is the cheapest at $52,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 1 Series by $7,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 1 Series uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: BMW 1 Series and Fiat 500e all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 1 Series has the largest boot at 380L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 1 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 1 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 1 Series makes the most power at 115kW. The BMW 1 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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