BMW i5 vs NIO Firefly
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.
NIO Firefly: not on sale yet, so NIO hasn't published price and energy consumption.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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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 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
44.9kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 100kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 100kW 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 NIO Firefly gets a 13.2-inch display and 6-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, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the NIO Firefly. The NIO Firefly counters with Apple CarPlay, V2L and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 NIO Firefly responds with a Single electric motor making 105kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.
The BMW i5 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 105kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i5 is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 81.2kWh (BMW i5) vs 41.2kWh (NIO Firefly), giving WLTP ranges of 557km and 330km. DC fast charging peaks at 205kW (BMW i5) vs 100kW (NIO Firefly).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i5 measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 1057mm longer than the NIO Firefly at 4,003mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 490L in the BMW i5 and 404L in the NIO Firefly, giving the BMW i5 a 86L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m 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 9.4m 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 7 years / 150,000km (NIO Firefly). The NIO Firefly has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the NIO Firefly if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer NIO's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i5 takes 8 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BMW i5 has a clear edge. The NIO Firefly 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 i5 and NIO Firefly?
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 BMW i5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 205kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW i5 and NIO Firefly carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
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 has the best warranty?
The NIO Firefly has the longest warranty at 7 years / 150k km.
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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