BMW i5 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.
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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
Both the BMW i5 and Hyundai IONIQ 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BMW i5 and 97% for the Hyundai IONIQ 6.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW i5 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Hyundai IONIQ 6.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW i5 and 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 6. The BMW i5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai IONIQ 6 misses.
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
53kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 220kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 220kW DC). 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 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 i5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 6. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 counters with Apple CarPlay, V2L and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW i5 gets vernasca leather upholstery while the Hyundai IONIQ 6 offers cloth.
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 Hyundai IONIQ 6 responds with a Electric making 111kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.
The BMW i5 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 111kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i5 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 81.2kWh (BMW i5) vs 53kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 6), giving WLTP ranges of 557km and 433km. DC fast charging peaks at 205kW (BMW i5) vs 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 6).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i5 measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 205mm longer than the Hyundai IONIQ 6 at 4,855mm (2,950mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 490L in the BMW i5 and 401L in the Hyundai IONIQ 6, giving the BMW i5 a 89L advantage.
For towing, the BMW i5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m 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 11.8m 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 i5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 6). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 6 if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i5 takes 6 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BMW i5 has a clear edge. 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 Hyundai IONIQ 6?
The BMW i5 is the cheapest at $155,900 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BMW i5 has the most range at 582km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 220kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i5 and Hyundai IONIQ 6 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 i5 makes the most power at 250kW. The BMW i5 is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
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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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