BMW I3 vs Volkswagen Transporter
What's the difference?

BMW I3

—

2020 price

View pricing & specs

Volkswagen Transporter

$45,890 - $85,590

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Volvo Es90

Volvo V40

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2026 Volkswagen Transporter

By James Cleary

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

—

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

—

Electric range

270 km

—

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Zero tailpipe emissions
Extendable load floor length
Distinctive exterior/interior styling

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

High purchase price
No spare tyre (only sealant/inflator kit)
Modest payload rating

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.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Volkswagen Transporter Summary

The Volkswagen Transporter has a long bloodline which can be traced to 1950 when the first split-windscreen Type 2 (aka Kombi) van was launched sharing mechanical components with its equally iconic T1 ‘Beetle’ sedan sibling.

Since then, the Transporter has evolved through seven generations, with the latest being the result of a global alliance with Ford in which the automotive giants share vehicle underpinnings and other technologies. This is designed to streamline new model development and amortise costs, as demonstrated by VW’s current Amarok ute based on the Ford Ranger.

The latest Transporter shares a similar relationship with Ford’s mid-size Transit Custom range, including the full-electric e-Transporter variant based on the E-Transit Custom. We recently spent a working week aboard this electrified model to see how it measures up from a tradie’s perspective.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2026 Volkswagen Transporter

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

Although closely related to Ford’s E-Transit Custom, the e-Transporter has carved its own niche in appealing to VW Transporter loyalists and businesses wanting to project a chic Euro image. For tradies and other service providers its driving range is best suited to metro duties, which if combined with the convenience of daily back-to-base charging could make it a practical solution for many working roles.

BMW I3 vs Volkswagen Transporter What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Volkswagen Transporter
What's the difference?