Polestar Polestar 5 vs BMW i5
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 Polestar Polestar 5 starts from $174,628 before on-road costs, while the BMW i5 opens at $155,900. That makes the BMW i5 the more affordable entry point by $18,728.
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 $192,091 and $171,490 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 Polestar Polestar 5 stands out with V2L and Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the BMW i5. The BMW i5 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Polestar Polestar 5 uses a Electric Motor producing 650kW and 900Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.2 seconds.
The BMW i5 responds with a Electric making 250kW and 430Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The Polestar Polestar 5 has the clear power advantage at 650kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar Polestar 5 is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 106kWh (Polestar Polestar 5) vs 84kWh (BMW i5), giving WLTP ranges of 670km and 557km. DC fast charging peaks at 350kW (Polestar Polestar 5) vs 205kW (BMW i5).
Space & Comfort
The Polestar Polestar 5 measures 5,008mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 52mm shorter than the BMW i5 at 5,060mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar Polestar 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 365L in the Polestar Polestar 5 and 500L in the BMW i5, giving the BMW i5 a 135L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m diameter
Average
Based on 11.9m 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 (Polestar Polestar 5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Polestar Polestar 5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar Polestar 5 takes 7 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BMW i5 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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