Abarth 595 vs BMW i Series
What's the difference?

Abarth 595

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2018 price

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BMW i Series

$88,900 - $233,400

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Abarth 595

2026 BMW i Series

By Tim Robson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

Electric range

805 km

Energy consumption

18.8 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

108.70 kWh

Seating

Likes

Good engine/chassis combo
Surprising grip levels
Unusual

Great driving range
Spacious cabin for the whole family
Excellent real-world efficiency

Dislikes

Terrible driving position
Ride not great around town
No reversing camera

Optioned wheels hurt range
Fussy ride on rough roads
Missing features for flagship grade

2018 Abarth 595 Summary

Since 1949, Abarth has been giving the venerable Italian brand, Fiat, a patina of performance, based largely on giant-killing feats in small modified cars like the Fiat 600 of the 1960s.

More recently, the brand has been revived to boost the fortunes of the smallest Fiat on sale in Australia. Known formally as the Abarth 595, the tiny hatch packs a bit of a surprise under its distinctive snout.

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2026 BMW i Series Summary

We’re in the new BMW iX3, the first production model to arrive on BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) EV architecture. We’re testing the flagship 50 xDrive, and it begs the question: has BMW actually managed to make its next generation of EVs feel like a proper Bimmer? Buyers expect a lot from that badge when it comes to ride and handling, so does this electric SUV actually deliver?

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Abarth 595 2026 BMW i Series

Verdict

It’s tough to be kind to the Abarth 595. Based on a platform that’s more than a decade old, the car has been left behind by its rivals in many ways, including basic ergonomics and its value equation.

The larger engine does work well in this smaller package, and its road-holding ability belies its size. However, only die-hard fans of the Abarth brand will be able to cope with the uncomfortable seating position and a complete lack of even the most perfunctory features that cars costing $10,000 less are able to offer.

Verdict

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is a seriously quick electric SUV that earns points for its family practicality, while its impressive range could go a long way towards easing range anxiety. The ride isn’t always as settled as I’d like, but for the most part, this is a well-executed premium EV.

Abarth 595 vs BMW i Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Abarth 595 vs BMW i Series
What's the difference?