Ford e-Transit vs BMW i3
Two electric cars 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 Ford e-Transit starts from $104,990 before on-road costs, while the BMW i3 opens at $109,900. That makes the Ford e-Transit the more affordable entry point by $4,910.
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 $115,489 and $120,890 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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i3 counters with head-up display, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio that the Ford e-Transit does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford e-Transit uses a Electric Motor producing 198kW and 415Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to the wheels.
The BMW i3 responds with a Electric making 250kW and 430Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The BMW i3 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 198kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 74kWh (Ford e-Transit) vs 83kWh (BMW i3), giving WLTP ranges of 307km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 125kW (Ford e-Transit) vs 50kW (BMW i3).
Space & Comfort
The Ford e-Transit measures 5,981mm long on a 3,750mm wheelbase, 1272mm longer than the BMW i3 at 4,709mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford e-Transit generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 11000L in the Ford e-Transit and 260L in the BMW i3, giving the Ford e-Transit a 10740L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m 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 (Ford e-Transit) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford e-Transit if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Ford e-Transit takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Ford e-Transit has a clear edge. 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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