BMW I3 vs Audi A7
What's the difference?

BMW I3

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2020 price

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Audi A7

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2019 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2019 Audi A7

By James Cleary

By Matt Campbell

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Electric range

270 km

7.3L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Glorious to behold
Surprising value
Great safety kit

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Launching with top-spec petrol only
Still some options to pick
Some tech quibbles on launch

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.

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2019 Audi A7 Summary

Audi is known as a design-led brand, and arguably no model in the line-up embodies that ethos more than the Audi A7 Sportback.

This all-new version of Audi's largest swoopy five-door hatchback takes the concept of the original first-generation version and, rather than reinventing the idea, reimagines it with a more modern and even more style-focused look, inside and out.

And it's a very convincing execution, indeed.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2019 Audi A7

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.

Verdict

The Audi A7 is a really likeable car, one that is heavily focused on style but also emanates substance. The 55 TFSI model will appeal to many, but my initial impression is that the best buy in the range could well be the entry-level 45 TFSI. I can't wait to sample it sometime in 2019.

BMW I3 vs Audi A7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Audi A7
What's the difference?