Fiat 500E vs BMW i Series
What's the difference?

Fiat 500E

—

2024 price

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BMW i Series

$88,900 - $233,400

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2024 Fiat 500E

2026 BMW i Series

By Andrew Chesterton

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

320 km

Electric range

805 km

Energy consumption

14.4 kWh/100km

18.8 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

108.70 kWh

Seating

Likes

Stylish, classic looks
Thoroughly modern cabin
Electric motor improves drive experience

Great driving range
Spacious cabin for the whole family
Excellent real-world efficiency

Dislikes

Limited range on offer
Expensive for a small EV
Warranty massively underwhelming

Optioned wheels hurt range
Fussy ride on rough roads
Missing features for flagship grade

2024 Fiat 500E Summary

You wouldn’t know it to look at it, but this is a brand-new — as in really and truly all-new — Fiat 500.

That has got to be a big deal for fans of Fiat’s pint-sized city car, with a genuinely all-new 500 about rare as spotting Halley’s Comet soaring over Turin. The last time was way back in 2007, by the way, and that car will remain on sale alongside this new one for the foreseeable.

But that’s not the only surprise. This 500 is also entirely electric, properly modern inside, and it has actual technology in its cabin and on its safety list.

Fiat reckons this is a big reset for the 500. And that there will never be another all-new petrol model again.

So, how does this new 500e stack up against the recent flood of small EVs, predominantly from China?

Let’s go find out.

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2026 BMW i Series Summary

We’re in the new BMW iX3, the first production model to arrive on BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) EV architecture. We’re testing the flagship 50 xDrive, and it begs the question: has BMW actually managed to make its next generation of EVs feel like a proper Bimmer? Buyers expect a lot from that badge when it comes to ride and handling, so does this electric SUV actually deliver?

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Fiat 500E 2026 BMW i Series

Verdict

A fun, funky EV which will no doubt appeal to lovers of Italian style, but also one which struggles a little on the range and price front.

Still, there’s no doubt that electrification has improved the Fiat 500 formula.

Verdict

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is a seriously quick electric SUV that earns points for its family practicality, while its impressive range could go a long way towards easing range anxiety. The ride isn’t always as settled as I’d like, but for the most part, this is a well-executed premium EV.

Fiat 500E vs BMW i Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Fiat 500E vs BMW i Series
What's the difference?