Which is cheaper, the BMW i5 or the BMW i7?

The BMW i5 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $155,900 versus $306,900 for the BMW i7, a $151,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.

Which has the longer driving range?

The BMW i7 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 625 km, 44 km further than the BMW i5's 581 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.

Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?

The BMW i5 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 205 kW versus 200 kW for the BMW i7. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.

Which is quicker off the line?

The BMW i7 does 0–100 km/h in 4.7 seconds — 1.3 s quicker than the BMW i5's 6.0 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.

Is the BMW i5 better value than the BMW i7?

On paper the BMW i5 is $151,000 cheaper, but the BMW i7 edges ahead on most other measurable specs. Whether the saving justifies the gap depends on which features matter most to you, and how much weight you give to brand and dealer factors.

Head-to-head

BMW i5 vs BMW i7

At $155,900 the BMW i5 undercuts the BMW i7 by $151,000 (49%) — but does the premium deliver enough of an edge to justify itself? Here's how the two compare on price, range, charging, safety and warranty.

Option A · Sedan

BMW i5

BMW's electric 5 Series sibling — sharing platform and body with the petrol 5er. The 581 km WLTP range puts it ahead of the Mercedes EQE; the AC charging at 22 kW is class-leading.

From: $155,900
Range: 581 km
Battery: 81.2 kWh

Option B · Sedan

BMW i7

BMW's electric 7 Series — same body as the petrol 7er with a 106 kWh battery in the xDrive60. The M70 performance variant adds 485 kW and 1100 Nm.

From: $306,900
Range: 625 km
Battery: 106 kWh

Key differences at a glance

The biggest material gaps between the BMW i5 and BMW i7, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.

1

Power · advantage BMW i7

The BMW i7 puts down 150 kW more (400 vs 250 kW).
2

Battery · advantage BMW i7

The BMW i7 carries a 24.8 kWh larger battery (106 vs 81.2 kWh).
3

Price · advantage BMW i5

The BMW i5 undercuts the BMW i7 by $151,000 (49%) on starting price.
4

Range · advantage BMW i7

The BMW i7 goes 44 km further on a charge (625 vs 581 km WLTP).
5

0–100 km/h · advantage BMW i7

The BMW i7 is 1.3 s quicker to 100 km/h (4.7 s vs 6 s).

Spec for spec

Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.

Spec

BMW i5

BMW i7

Price from

$155,900

$306,900

Range (WLTP)

581 km

625 km

Battery capacity

81.2 kWh

106 kWh

Motor power

250 kW

400 kW

Torque

430 Nm

745 Nm

0–100 km/h

6.0 s

4.7 s

Efficiency

—

DC fast charging

205 kW

200 kW

Boot

490 L

—

ANCAP

5★

—

Vehicle warranty

5 yrs

Where the BMW i5 wins

▸ Cheaper by $151,000
▸ Faster DC charging peak (205 kW vs 200 kW)

Where the BMW i7 wins

▸ 44 km longer WLTP range
▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (4.7s vs 6s)

BMW i5

What we like

✓ Strong 581 km WLTP range
✓ 22 kW three-phase AC charging is class-leading
✓ Cabin shares 5 Series quality and refinement

What we don't

✕ Heavy kerb weight hurts handling vs ICE 5er
✕ Premium pricing climbs fast with options
✕ Boot is sedan-shaped (no hatch opening)

BMW i7

What we like

✓ Strong 625 km WLTP range
✓ Sub-5-second 0-100 from the xDrive60
✓ Flagship BMW cabin tech and refinement

What we don't

✕ Not ANCAP tested
✕ Premium pricing for the M70 variant
✕ Heavy kerb weight

Frequently asked: BMW i5 vs BMW i7

Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.

Which is cheaper, the BMW i5 or the BMW i7?: The BMW i5 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $155,900 versus $306,900 for the BMW i7, a $151,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
Which has the longer driving range?: The BMW i7 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 625 km, 44 km further than the BMW i5's 581 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?: The BMW i5 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 205 kW versus 200 kW for the BMW i7. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
Which is quicker off the line?: The BMW i7 does 0–100 km/h in 4.7 seconds — 1.3 s quicker than the BMW i5's 6.0 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
Is the BMW i5 better value than the BMW i7?: On paper the BMW i5 is $151,000 cheaper, but the BMW i7 edges ahead on most other measurable specs. Whether the saving justifies the gap depends on which features matter most to you, and how much weight you give to brand and dealer factors.

Which one should you buy?

The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.

Choose the

BMW i5

if…

✓ you want to save $151,000 on the sticker
✓ you match the profile: premium sedan buyers

See the BMW i5 →

Choose the

BMW i7

if…

✓ maximum range matters (44 km further per charge)
✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
✓ you match the profile: flagship sedan buyers

See the BMW i7 →

Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.