BMW M5 vs BMW i5
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 M5 starts from $259,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i5 opens at $155,900. That makes the BMW i5 the more affordable entry point by $104,000.
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 $285,890 and $171,490 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
Both the BMW M5 and BMW i5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BMW M5 and 89% for the BMW i5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW M5 and 6 in the BMW i5.
Feature Showdown
The BMW M5 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen, while the BMW i5 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M5 stands out with ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW i5. The BMW i5 counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW M5 uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 535kW and 1000Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds.
The BMW i5 responds with a Electric making 250kW and 430Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The BMW M5 has the clear power advantage at 535kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M5 is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.6kWh (BMW M5) vs 84kWh (BMW i5), giving WLTP ranges of 69km and 557km.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M5 measures 5,096mm long on a 3,006mm wheelbase, 36mm longer than the BMW i5 at 5,060mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 530L in the BMW M5 and 500L in the BMW i5, giving the BMW M5 a 30L advantage.
For towing, the BMW i5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m 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 11.9m 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 M5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i5 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i5 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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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