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.
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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
81.2kWh usableAC charging · to 100%
Power point
10A wall socket · 2.4kW
Caravan socket
15A · 3.6kW
Home wallbox
single-phase 7kW · 7.4kW
Three-phase AC
11–22kW · 11kW
DC fast charging · to 80%
Public 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
102kWh usableAC charging · to 100%
Power point
10A wall socket · 2.4kW
Caravan socket
15A · 3.6kW
Home wallbox
single-phase 7kW · 7.4kW
Three-phase AC
11–22kW · 22kW
DC fast charging · to 80%
Public DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 350kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 350kW 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 Lotus Emeya gets a 15.1-inch display and 12.6-inch instruments. 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 Bowers & Wilkins 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.
Interior trim differs: the BMW i5 gets vernasca leather upholstery while the Lotus Emeya offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW i5 and 4-zone in the Lotus Emeya.
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 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 8 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 i5 and Lotus Emeya?
The BMW i5 is the cheapest at $155,900 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Lotus Emeya has the most range at 610km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Lotus Emeya accepts the highest DC charging at up to 350kW.
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 Lotus Emeya has the largest boot at 509L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW i5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
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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