BMW I3 vs Ford E-Transit
What's the difference?

BMW I3

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2020 price

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Ford E-Transit

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2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Volvo Es90

Volvo V40

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2025 Ford E-Transit

By James Cleary

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

270 km

Electric range

307 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

36.9 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

68.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Great drive and dynamics
Brilliant packaging
Builds on Transit’s renown practicality

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Conservative styling
Likely to be too expensive
Limited model choices

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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2025 Ford E-Transit Summary

Long before Tesla EVs, there were electric golf buggies.

From the first half of last century, they began quietly ferrying birdie and eagle enthusiasts around their favourite courses.

For many, these have been their first (and only) experience of electric vehicles (EVs) at work.

Now, the blue-collared Blue Oval mob has this – the all-new E-Transit Custom.

Designed to take on other electric mid-sized vans such as the LDV eDeliver7, Peugeot E-Expert and the Mercedes-Benz Vito Electric, it is the brand’s second – and more affordable – foray into van electrification.

Does the E-Transit Custom score above par? Let’s dive straight in!

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Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2025 Ford E-Transit

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

Wow. This is state-of-the-art EV van engineering – complete with sporty handling and an excellent ride – yet it maintains all the usual Transit attributes.

The Tesla of electric vans? Maybe.

The only thing remains is pricing and how the E-Transit Custom behaves and drives on Australian roads… and we’ll have the answer to those by the end of this year.

But as it stands, Ford's European mid-sized van is keeping the innovative spirit of the original alive.

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

BMW I3 vs Ford E-Transit What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Ford E-Transit
What's the difference?