BMW M5 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.
Price Breakdown
The BMW M5 starts from $259,900 before on-road costs, while the Lotus Emeya opens at $189,990. That makes the Lotus Emeya the more affordable entry point by $69,910.
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 $208,989 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.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW M5 by roughly $1,775 in electricity alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting 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.
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 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 BMW M5 has the clear power advantage at 535kW vs 450kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M5 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.6kWh (BMW M5) vs 102kWh (Lotus Emeya), giving WLTP ranges of 69km and 610km.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M5 measures 5,096mm long on a 3,006mm wheelbase, 43mm 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 530L in the BMW M5 and 509L in the Lotus Emeya, giving the BMW M5 a 21L 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, electricity costs roughly $485/year for the BMW M5 and $840/year for the Lotus Emeya. That is a $355 annual difference in favour of the BMW M5.
Estimated annual total: $485 (BMW M5) vs $840 (Lotus Emeya). The BMW M5 saves you roughly $355 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lotus Emeya). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lotus Emeya if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lotus Emeya takes 5 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW M5 will save you roughly $355 a year in electricity. 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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