BMW i3 vs Hyundai IONIQ 6
Two electric Sedans go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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.
BMW i3: we're still completing kerb weight, ground clearance, turning circle, braked towing and energy consumption.
Hyundai IONIQ 6: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h, warranty and ground clearance, plus 1 other.
Blank cells below mean we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW i3 starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 6 opens at $65,500. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 6 the more affordable entry point by $44,400.
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 $120,890 and $72,050 respectively.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW i3 does not: above the $91,661 fuel-efficient lct threshold.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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
108.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 400kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 400kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
53kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.5kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai IONIQ 6 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Hyundai IONIQ 6. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 counters with Apple CarPlay, V2L and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW i3 uses a Electric producing 345kW and 645Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 responds with a Electric making 111kW and 350Nm, paired to a single speed reduction gear driving the rear wheels.
The BMW i3 has the clear power advantage at 345kW vs 111kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 108.7kWh (BMW i3) vs 53kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 6), giving WLTP ranges of 460km and 429km.
Space & Comfort
The BMW i3 measures 4,760mm long on a 2,897mm wheelbase, 95mm shorter than the Hyundai IONIQ 6 at 4,855mm (2,950mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 6 generally means more rear legroom.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 6 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i3 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW i3 and Hyundai IONIQ 6?
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is the cheapest at $65,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i3 by $44,400.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BMW i3 has the most range at 900km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW i3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 400kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW i3 and Hyundai IONIQ 6 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i3 makes the most power at 345kW.
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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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