Lotus Emeya 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
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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 Lotus Emeya stands out with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof, V2L and KEF audio that you will not find on the BMW i3. The BMW i3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lotus Emeya uses a Electric Motor producing 450kW and 710Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.2 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 Lotus Emeya has the clear power advantage at 450kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lotus Emeya is 3.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 102kWh (Lotus Emeya) vs 83kWh (BMW i3), giving WLTP ranges of 610km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 350kW (Lotus Emeya) vs 50kW (BMW i3).
Space & Comfort
The Lotus Emeya measures 5,139mm long on a 3,069mm wheelbase, 430mm longer than the BMW i3 at 4,709mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lotus Emeya generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 509L in the Lotus Emeya and 260L in the BMW i3, giving the Lotus Emeya a 249L 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 (Lotus Emeya) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lotus Emeya if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i3 if: You or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lotus Emeya takes 8 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Lotus Emeya 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, Lotus Emeya and BMW i3?
The BMW i3 is the cheapest at $109,900 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Lotus Emeya has the most range at 610km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Lotus Emeya accepts the highest DC charging at up to 350kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Lotus Emeya and BMW i3 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lotus Emeya has the largest boot at 509L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lotus Emeya makes the most power at 450kW. The Lotus Emeya is quickest to 100km/h in 4.2s.
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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