BMW i5 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.
Price Breakdown
The BMW i5 starts from $155,900 before on-road costs, while the Lotus Emeya opens at $189,990. That makes the BMW i5 the more affordable entry point by $34,090.
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 $208,989 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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i5 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, V2L and KEF audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW i5 uses a Electric producing 250kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 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 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lotus Emeya is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 84kWh (BMW i5) vs 102kWh (Lotus Emeya), giving WLTP ranges of 557km and 610km. DC fast charging peaks at 205kW (BMW i5) vs 350kW (Lotus Emeya).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i5 measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 79mm shorter than the Lotus Emeya at 5,139mm (3,069mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lotus Emeya generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the BMW i5 and 509L in the Lotus Emeya, giving the Lotus Emeya a 9L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m diameter
Average
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 (Lotus Emeya). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i5 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lotus Emeya if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lotus Emeya takes 8 of 9 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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