Hyundai IONIQ 6 vs BMW i3
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 Hyundai IONIQ 6 starts from $63,000 before on-road costs, while the BMW i3 opens at $109,900. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 6 the more affordable entry point by $46,900.
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 $69,300 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
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 features a 12-inch touchscreen, while the BMW i3 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 stands out with Apple CarPlay, V2L and BOSE audio that you will not find on the BMW i3. The BMW i3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 uses a Electric producing 111kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds.
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 111kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 63kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 6) vs 83kWh (BMW i3), giving WLTP ranges of 433km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 6) vs 50kW (BMW i3).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 measures 4,855mm long on a 2,950mm wheelbase, 146mm longer than the BMW i3 at 4,709mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 401L in the Hyundai IONIQ 6 and 260L in the BMW i3, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 6 a 141L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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 (Hyundai IONIQ 6) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 6 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai'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 Hyundai IONIQ 6 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 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, Hyundai IONIQ 6 and BMW i3?
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is the cheapest at $63,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i3 by $46,900.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 has the most range at 614km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 220kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai IONIQ 6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 has the largest boot at 401L.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i3 makes the most power at 250kW. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.4s.
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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