BMW i3 vs Lotus Emeya
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.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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
102kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 420kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 420kW DC). 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 Lotus Emeya gets a 15.1-inch display and 12.6-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Lotus Emeya. The Lotus Emeya counters with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof, V2L and KEF audio. 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 Lotus Emeya responds with a Electric Motor making 450kW and 710Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.
The Lotus Emeya has the clear power advantage at 450kW vs 345kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lotus Emeya is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 108.7kWh (BMW i3) vs 102kWh (Lotus Emeya), giving WLTP ranges of 460km and 610km. DC fast charging peaks at 400kW (BMW i3) vs 420kW (Lotus Emeya).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i3 measures 4,760mm long on a 2,897mm wheelbase, 379mm shorter than the Lotus Emeya at 5,139mm (3,069mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lotus Emeya 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.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lotus Emeya). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i3 if: You or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lotus Emeya if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lotus Emeya takes 6 of 7 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 Lotus Emeya?
The BMW i3 is the cheapest at $109,900 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BMW i3 has the most range at 900km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Lotus Emeya accepts the highest DC charging at up to 420kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW i3 and Lotus Emeya carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lotus Emeya makes the most power at 450kW. The Lotus Emeya is quickest to 100km/h in 4.2s.
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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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