BMW 1 Series vs Fiat 500E
What's the difference?

BMW 1 Series

$44,997 - $89,900

2025 price

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Fiat 500E

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2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2025 BMW 1 Series

2024 Fiat 500E

By Chris Thompson

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

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Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

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Electric range

320 km

Energy consumption

14.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

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Likes

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Stylish, classic looks
Thoroughly modern cabin
Electric motor improves drive experience

Dislikes

New face might divide opinion
Second-row amenities lacking
A tad thirsty

Limited range on offer
Expensive for a small EV
Warranty massively underwhelming

2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

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2024 Fiat 500E Summary

You wouldn’t know it to look at it, but this is a brand-new — as in really and truly all-new — Fiat 500.

That has got to be a big deal for fans of Fiat’s pint-sized city car, with a genuinely all-new 500 about rare as spotting Halley’s Comet soaring over Turin. The last time was way back in 2007, by the way, and that car will remain on sale alongside this new one for the foreseeable.

But that’s not the only surprise. This 500 is also entirely electric, properly modern inside, and it has actual technology in its cabin and on its safety list.

Fiat reckons this is a big reset for the 500. And that there will never be another all-new petrol model again.

So, how does this new 500e stack up against the recent flood of small EVs, predominantly from China?

Let’s go find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 BMW 1 Series 2024 Fiat 500E

Verdict

A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.

It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.

Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

A fun, funky EV which will no doubt appeal to lovers of Italian style, but also one which struggles a little on the range and price front.

Still, there’s no doubt that electrification has improved the Fiat 500 formula.

BMW 1 Series vs Fiat 500E What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 1 Series vs Fiat 500E
What's the difference?