BMW i5 vs Porsche Taycan
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 BMW i5 starts from $155,900 before on-road costs, while the Porsche Taycan opens at $156,300. That makes the BMW i5 the more affordable entry point by $400.
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 $171,490 and $171,930 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
Both the BMW i5 and Porsche Taycan hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW i5 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Porsche Taycan.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The BMW i5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Porsche Taycan misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Porsche Taycan. The Porsche Taycan counters with Apple CarPlay, V2L and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW i5 uses a Electric producing 250kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds.
The Porsche Taycan responds with a Electric making 300kW and 345Nm, paired to a 2-speed auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.
The Porsche Taycan has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the Porsche Taycan is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 84kWh (BMW i5) vs 79.2kWh (Porsche Taycan), giving WLTP ranges of 557km and 503km. DC fast charging peaks at 205kW (BMW i5) vs 270kW (Porsche Taycan).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i5 measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 97mm longer than the Porsche Taycan at 4,963mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the BMW i5 and 407L in the Porsche Taycan, giving the BMW i5 a 93L advantage. The BMW i5 seats 5 vs 4.
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 (BMW i5) vs 3 years / 999,999km (Porsche Taycan). The BMW i5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Porsche Taycan if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Porsche's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW i5 and Porsche Taycan trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the BMW i5 has a clear edge. The BMW i5 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW i5 and Porsche Taycan?
The BMW i5 is the cheapest at $155,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Porsche Taycan by $400.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BMW i5 has the most range at 582km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Porsche Taycan accepts the highest DC charging at up to 270kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i5 and Porsche Taycan 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 has the best warranty?
The BMW i5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Porsche Taycan makes the most power at 300kW. The Porsche Taycan is quickest to 100km/h in 4.8s.
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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