BMW i Series vs Ferrari 488
What's the difference?

BMW i Series

$88,900 - $233,400

2026 price

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Ferrari 488

—

2017 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Lamborghini Aventador

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2026 BMW i Series

2017 Ferrari 488

By Emily Agar

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

V8, 3.9L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

805 km

11.4L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

18.8 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

108.70 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Monstrous torque
Incredible dynamics
Quality (in every sense of the word)

Dislikes

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

Breathtaking option prices
Some shake on rough surfaces
Atmo engine noise MIA

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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2017 Ferrari 488 Summary

James Cleary road tests and reviews the new Ferrari 488 Spider with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

It’s almost inevitable. Tell someone you’re a motoring journo and the first question will be, ‘So, what’s the best car you’ve ever driven?’

Without getting into an esoteric analysis of what the word 'best' actually means in this context, it’s clear people want you to nominate your favourite. The fastest, the fanciest, the car you’ve enjoyed the most; the one that’s delivered a clearly superior experience.

And if I enter the room of mirrors (where you can always take a good hard look at yourself) the answer is clear. From the thousands of cars I’ve had the privilege of sliding my backside into, the best so far is Ferrari’s 458 Italia, an impossibly pure combination of dynamic brilliance, fierce acceleration, howling soundtrack and flawless beauty.

So, the opportunity to steer the open-roof Spider version of its successor, the 488, is a significant one. By rights, the best should be about to get better. But does it?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 BMW i Series 2017 Ferrari 488

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.

Verdict

The Ferrari 488 Spider is a brilliant machine. It's properly supercar fast, in a straight line and around corners. It looks stunning, and attention to design detail, engineering refinement and overall quality oozes from its every pore.

Is it the best car I’ve ever driven? Close, but not quite. Others may disagree, but for what it’s worth, I think the Ferrari 458 Italia, in all its high-revving, naturally aspirated glory is still the sweetest ride of all.

BMW i Series vs Ferrari 488 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW i Series vs Ferrari 488
What's the difference?