BMW I3 vs Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class
What's the difference?

BMW I3

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2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

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2020 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Volvo Es90

Volvo V40

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2020 Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

By James Cleary

By Matt Campbell

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

417 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

21.5 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

80.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Luxury unparalleled in the EV space… for now
A practical and pleasant commuter
Impressive equipment levels

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Ride can be wobbly
Real world range reliant on conditions
Recharging speed limited

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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2020 Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class Summary

The Mercedes-Benz EQC has been on sale in Australia for a little while now, and aside from the local launch event we haven’t had a chance to spend any quality time with the brand’s first fully electric SUV. Until now.

The EQC 400, as it’s officially known, is the German luxury maker’s first foray into the full-EV landscape, and could arguably be seen as the first true luxury electric SUV on sale in Australia. I mean, yeah, there’s the Jaguar i-Pace, but it has a more premium-sporting intent than the EQC, and the Tesla Model X isn’t aimed at a luxury customer, more so a technologically-minded buyer.

So what’s the Merc EQC like to actually live with? We drove it for a week to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

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

When I was telling my colleagues about the Mercedes-Benz EQC my summary was, basically, it’s the best electric luxury car I’ve driven.

It’s plusher than a Jaguar i-Pace, more polished than a Tesla Model X - indeed, it feels like a different kind of electric car to both of those models. It’s an impressive foray into the segment, and we can’t wait for the chance to put it against some like-minded electric European luxury SUVs at some point in the future.

BMW I3 vs Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class
What's the difference?