LDV MIFA 9 vs BMW i3

The LDV MIFA 9 starts from $104,000 before on-road costs, while the BMW i3 opens at $109,900. That makes the LDV MIFA 9 the more affordable entry point by $5,900.

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 $114,400 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.

Both the LDV MIFA 9 and BMW i3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The LDV MIFA 9 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the BMW i3.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the LDV MIFA 9 and 6 in the BMW i3.

The LDV MIFA 9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the BMW i3 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The LDV MIFA 9 stands out with V2L that you will not find on the BMW i3. The BMW i3 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The LDV MIFA 9 uses a Electric Motor producing 180kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a single speed to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12 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 180kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i3 is 4.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 90kWh (LDV MIFA 9) vs 83kWh (BMW i3), giving WLTP ranges of 440km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 120kW (LDV MIFA 9) vs 50kW (BMW i3).

The LDV MIFA 9 measures 5,270mm long on a 3,200mm wheelbase, 561mm longer than the BMW i3 at 4,709mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the LDV MIFA 9 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 466L in the LDV MIFA 9 and 260L in the BMW i3, giving the LDV MIFA 9 a 206L advantage. The LDV MIFA 9 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the LDV MIFA 9 leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 160,000km (LDV MIFA 9) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3). Both match on warranty length.