Audi A1 vs BMW I3
What's the difference?

Audi A1

$18,998 - $29,990

2020 price

View pricing & specs

BMW I3

—

2020 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2020 Audi A1

2020 BMW I3

By Matt Campbell

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.8L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

Electric range

270 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Character-filled car
Sporty performance
City-friendly dimensions

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Dislikes

Fuel use a bit high
Expensive
Back seat lacks amenities

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

2020 Audi A1 Summary

The Audi A1 2020 range offers something for everyone, and in the case of this particular variant, it’s the one you buy if you want as much grunt and gear as you can get.

It’s the top-of-the-range Audi A1 40 TFSI model, which gets the zestiest engine, the lengthiest equipment list, and offers performance to match some hot-hatches out there. It’s essentially an Audi-ised version of a VW Polo GTI.

This test wasn’t so much about the wow-factor, though. We put it through its paces as an urban runabout to see how it coped as a real-world city car.

View full pricing & specs

2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2020 Audi A1 2020 BMW I3

Verdict

If you’re eager for a sporty compact hatchback with premium design and luxury car badges, the Audi A1 40 TFSI is a very, very strong contender. It’s fast, fun, and functional for a little hatchback. It’s just very expensive, and for most people the $10K cheaper 35 TFSI model will tick most of the boxes. I’d recommend you drive it before signing on for the top-spec model.

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Audi A1 vs BMW I3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A1 vs BMW I3
What's the difference?