BMW i5 vs BMW M5
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.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW i5 starts from $155,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW M5 opens at $259,900. That makes the BMW i5 the more affordable entry point by $104,000.
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 $171,490 and $285,890 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
81.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 205kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 205kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
18.6kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i5 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW M5 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M5 counters with ventilated seats and ambient lighting that the BMW i5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW i5 gets vernasca leather upholstery while the BMW M5 offers merino leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW i5 and 4-zone in the BMW M5.
Drivetrain
The BMW i5 uses a Electric producing 250kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The BMW M5 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 535kW and 1000Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The BMW M5 has the clear power advantage at 535kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M5 is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 81.2kWh (BMW i5) vs 18.6kWh (BMW M5), giving WLTP ranges of 557km and 69km.
Space & Comfort
The BMW i5 measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 36mm shorter than the BMW M5 at 5,096mm (3,006mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 490L in the BMW i5 and 466L in the BMW M5, giving the BMW i5 a 24L advantage.
For towing, the BMW M5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 11.9m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 i5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i5 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW i5 and BMW M5?
The BMW i5 is the cheapest at $155,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M5 by $104,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M5 uses the least fuel at 1.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW i5 has the largest boot at 490L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW i5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M5 makes the most power at 535kW. The BMW M5 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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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