BMW I3 vs Audi E-Tron
What's the difference?

BMW I3

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2020 price

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Audi E-Tron

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2022 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2022 Audi E-Tron

By James Cleary

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Electric motor type

Multi-Motor – Mixed Types

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

270 km

Electric range

320 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

27.0 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

95.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Mean looks
Understated power
Mind-bending handling

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Feels its weight around town
Lacking some EV innovations
Energy efficiency

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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2022 Audi E-Tron Summary

The e-tron S was inevitable.

The marriage of the latest automotive trends – sporty electrified SUVs with specific performance bits, the e-tron S is as much rooted in Audi’s future as it is in the present.

Having been one of the earliest fully electric German cars in the space, and now with a few years of age on it. Can the e-tron S shine as one of the best? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2022 Audi E-Tron

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 e-tron S looks mean, feels premium, and blends serious power with surprising grace under pressure. I still can’t shake the feeling I had with the standard e-tron, though, that this car is an Audi sports SUV first and an electric car second, and its weight holds it back from being as fun to drive as I think some rivals are.

If you love Audi and you want to go electric without stepping into something too unfamiliar it’s a great option. If you want an electric car which takes full advantage of what the next generation of technology can offer, keep an eye out, there’s plenty of fresh metal on the way.

BMW I3 vs Audi E-Tron What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Audi E-Tron
What's the difference?