BMW i5 vs Tesla Model S
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.
Overseas model shownBMW i5
From $155,900
Sedan
Electric
Electric
250kW
—
ANCAP: no data
490L
Tesla Model S
Price TBC
Sedan
Electric
Electric
—
—
ANCAP: no data
—
Tesla Model S: we're still completing price, width, height, kerb weight and power, plus 6 others.
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.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i5 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model S gets a 17-inch display.
The BMW i5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Tesla Model S. The Tesla Model S counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
The BMW i5 measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 81mm longer than the Tesla Model S at 4,979mm (2,960mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i5 generally means more rear legroom.
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
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
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 4 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model S). The BMW i5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i5 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model S if: You or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW i5 and Tesla Model S trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW i5 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-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 Tesla Model S?
The BMW i5 is the cheapest at $155,900 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Tesla Model S has the most range at 713km (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 Tesla Model S carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW i5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW i5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
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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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