BMW i4 vs MG IM5
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
The BMW i4 starts from $88,900 before on-road costs, while the MG IM5 opens at $55,450. That makes the MG IM5 the more affordable entry point by $33,450.
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 $97,790 and $60,995 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.
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
80.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 180kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 180kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
75kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 153kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 153kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i4 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the MG IM5 gets a 26.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i4 stands out with head-up display and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the MG IM5. The MG IM5 counters with V2L and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW i4 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the MG IM5 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW i4 uses a Electric producing 210kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The MG IM5 responds with a Electric making 217kW and 450Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels.
The MG IM5 has the clear power advantage at 217kW vs 210kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 67kWh (BMW i4) vs 75kWh (MG IM5), giving WLTP ranges of 527km and 490km. DC fast charging peaks at 180kW (BMW i4) vs 153kW (MG IM5).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i4 measures 4,783mm long on a 2,856mm wheelbase, 148mm shorter than the MG IM5 at 4,931mm (2,950mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG IM5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 470L in the BMW i4 and 457L in the MG IM5, giving the BMW i4 a 13L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m diameter
Average
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator — U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.6 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m — clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m — 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide — fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m — swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m — no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
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 i4) vs 7 years (MG IM5). The MG IM5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i4 if: You need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG IM5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG IM5 takes 5 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The MG IM5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 i4 and MG IM5?
The MG IM5 is the cheapest at $55,450 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i4 by $33,450.
Which has the longest driving range?
The MG IM5 has the most range at 490km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW i4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 180kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW i4 has the largest boot at 470L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW i4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG IM5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG IM5 makes the most power at 217kW.
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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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