Hyundai Ioniq vs BMW I3
What's the difference?

Hyundai Ioniq

$19,395 - $42,950

2021 price

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BMW I3

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2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2021 Hyundai Ioniq

2020 BMW I3

By Tom White

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

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Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Vehicle type

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Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

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Electric range

270 km

Energy consumption

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14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

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42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Well-tuned electric drive
Range is about right
Excellent energy consumption

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Dislikes

Feels very heavy
Design won't be for everyone
Still a little too pricey for mass adoption

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

2021 Hyundai Ioniq Summary

Hyundai's Ioniq range is nothing if not a flex in the face of Toyota.

Sure, Toyota has a dominating position in the Australian market, with its well-received range of hybrid models, but what happens after hybrid? Hyundai takes on the blocky Prius formula with not only a directly competing hybrid model, but a plug-in and a fully electric version, too.

This expansive range is as though Hyundai is trying to demonstrate it's ready for any future, near or far, and guess what, Toyota? Anything you can do; the Korean juggernaut thinks it can do better.

These cars aren't really designed to sell so much as they are offerings for early adopters, but a few years after its launch, with a host of rivals set to take it on, and an entire sub-brand based on the Ioniq just around the corner, is Hyundai's top-spec Ioniq electric worth a look? I took one for a week to find out.

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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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Deep dive comparison

2021 Hyundai Ioniq 2020 BMW I3

Verdict

Just like the Kona EV, Hyundai's Ioniq is still one of the best EV options on the market today. It strikes an excellent balance by offering significantly more range and better energy consumption than the more affordable Nissan Leaf or MG ZS EV, while providing the familiarity of the Hyundai spec and drive experience at a price only a little higher than a top-spec Prius.

Its relatively high score is a product of these factors, but also the way in which its interactivity offers the early adopters the engagement they will be searching for.

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.

Hyundai Ioniq vs BMW I3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Ioniq vs BMW I3
What's the difference?