Volkswagen Transporter vs BMW I3
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Transporter

$45,890 - $85,590

2026 price

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BMW I3

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2020 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA250

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

Summary

2026 Volkswagen Transporter

2020 BMW I3

By Mark Oastler

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

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Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

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Electric range

270 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Dislikes

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

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

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.

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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

2026 Volkswagen Transporter 2020 BMW I3

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.

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.

Volkswagen Transporter vs BMW I3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Transporter vs BMW I3
What's the difference?