LDV eT60 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 LDV eT60 starts from $99,990 before on-road costs, while the BMW i3 opens at $109,900. That makes the LDV eT60 the more affordable entry point by $9,910.
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 $109,989 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 LDV eT60 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the BMW i3 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The LDV eT60 stands out with Apple CarPlay 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, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The LDV eT60 uses a Electric Motor producing 130kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed fixed gear to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11 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 130kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i3 is 3.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 88.6kWh (LDV eT60) vs 83kWh (BMW i3), giving WLTP ranges of 330km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 80kW (LDV eT60) vs 50kW (BMW i3).
Space & Comfort
The LDV eT60 measures 5,365mm long on a 3,155mm wheelbase, 656mm longer than the BMW i3 at 4,709mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the LDV eT60 generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the LDV eT60 leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 12.6m
Based on 12.6m 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 / 160,000km (LDV eT60) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the LDV eT60 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer LDV'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 BMW i3 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, LDV eT60 and BMW i3?
The LDV eT60 is the cheapest at $99,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i3 by $9,910.
Which has the longest driving range?
The LDV eT60 has the most range at 330km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The LDV eT60 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 80kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — LDV eT60 all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW i3 has the largest boot at 260L.
Which can tow the most?
The LDV eT60 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i3 makes the most power at 250kW. The BMW i3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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