BMW M5 vs BMW i7
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.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW M5 starts from $259,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i7 opens at $319,900. That makes the BMW M5 the more affordable entry point by $60,000.
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 $351,890 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.
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
18.6kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
101.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 195kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 195kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW M5 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW i7 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 i7 responds with a Electric making 400kW and 745Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.
The BMW M5 has the clear power advantage at 535kW vs 400kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M5 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.6kWh (BMW M5) vs 101.7kWh (BMW i7), giving WLTP ranges of 69km and 590km.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M5 measures 5,096mm long on a 3,006mm wheelbase, 295mm shorter than the BMW i7 at 5,391mm (3,215mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 466L in the BMW M5 and 500L in the BMW i7, giving the BMW i7 a 34L advantage.
For towing, the BMW i7 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 12.5m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m 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 i7). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i7 if: You need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i7 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BMW i7 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW M5 and BMW i7?
The BMW M5 is the cheapest at $259,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i7 by $60,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M5 uses the least fuel at 1.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW M5 and BMW i7 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW i7 has the largest boot at 500L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M5 makes the most power at 535kW. The BMW M5 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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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