Zeekr 009 vs BMW i5
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 Zeekr 009 starts from $135,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i5 opens at $155,900. That makes the Zeekr 009 the more affordable entry point by $20,000.
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 $149,490 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
The Zeekr 009 features a 15.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW i5 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Zeekr 009 stands out with ventilated seats and Yamaha audio that you will not find on the BMW i5. The BMW i5 counters with panoramic roof and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Zeekr 009 gets nappa leather upholstery while the BMW i5 offers vernasca leather.
Drivetrain
The Zeekr 009 uses a Electric Motor producing 450kW and 693Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 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 Zeekr 009 has the clear power advantage at 450kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the Zeekr 009 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 116kWh (Zeekr 009) vs 84kWh (BMW i5), giving WLTP ranges of 620km and 557km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Zeekr 009) vs 205kW (BMW i5).
Space & Comfort
The Zeekr 009 measures 5,209mm long on a 3,205mm wheelbase, 149mm longer than the BMW i5 at 5,060mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Zeekr 009 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 425L in the Zeekr 009 and 500L in the BMW i5, giving the BMW i5 a 75L 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 (Zeekr 009) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Zeekr 009 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Zeekr's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i5 if: You need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Zeekr 009 takes 6 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Zeekr 009 and BMW i5?
The Zeekr 009 is the cheapest at $135,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i5 by $20,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Zeekr 009 has the most range at 582km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW i5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 205kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW i5 has the largest boot at 500L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW i5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Zeekr 009 makes the most power at 450kW. The Zeekr 009 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
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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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