Fiat 500e vs BMW 1 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Fiat 500e starts from $52,500 before on-road costs, while the BMW 1 Series opens at $57,600. That makes the Fiat 500e the more affordable entry point by $5,100.
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 $57,750 and $63,360 respectively.
The Fiat 500e qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW 1 Series, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
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
42kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 85kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 85kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Fiat 500e features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the BMW 1 Series gets a 10.7-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Fiat 500e stands out with Apple CarPlay, BeatsAudio audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW 1 Series. The BMW 1 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Fiat 500e gets leatherette upholstery while the BMW 1 Series offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Fiat 500e uses a Electric producing 87kW and 220Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The BMW 1 Series responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The BMW 1 Series has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 87kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 1 Series is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Fiat 500e measures 3,631mm long on a 2,322mm wheelbase, 730mm shorter than the BMW 1 Series at 4,361mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 1 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Fiat 500e and 380L in the BMW 1 Series, giving the BMW 1 Series a 195L advantage. The BMW 1 Series seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 10.8m
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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: 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500e) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 1 Series). The BMW 1 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Fiat 500e if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 1 Series if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 1 Series takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BMW 1 Series has a clear edge. The BMW 1 Series 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, Fiat 500e and BMW 1 Series?
The Fiat 500e is the cheapest at $52,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 1 Series by $5,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 1 Series uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Fiat 500e all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 1 Series has the largest boot at 380L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 1 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 1 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 1 Series makes the most power at 115kW. The BMW 1 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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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