Head-to-head
BMW i5 vs Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
At $115,000 the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N undercuts the BMW i5 by $40,900 (26%) — 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
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
The Ioniq 6 N takes the N treatment to Hyundai's electric sedan — same 478 kW dual-motor powertrain as the Ioniq 5 N, but in a slipperier shape that yields a 3.2s 0-100 and better range.
- From
- $115,000
- Range
- 467 km
- Battery
- 84 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the BMW i5 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage BMW i5
The BMW i5 goes 114 km further on a charge (581 vs 467 km WLTP).
- 2
Power · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N puts down 228 kW more (478 vs 250 kW).
- 3
Price · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N undercuts the BMW i5 by $40,900 (26%) on starting price.
- 4
0–100 km/h · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is 2.8 s quicker to 100 km/h (3.2 s vs 6 s).
- 5
DC charging · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N accepts 28 kW more DC peak charging (233 vs 205 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the BMW i5 wins
- ▸ 114 km longer WLTP range
Where the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $40,900
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (3.2s vs 6s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (233 kW vs 205 kW)
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)
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
What we like
- ✓ Class-leading 3.2s 0-100
- ✓ Sedan aerodynamics extend range vs Ioniq 5 N
- ✓ 800V architecture for fast DC charging
What we don't
- ✕ Premium pricing for a Hyundai badge
- ✕ Boot smaller than Ioniq 5 N
- ✕ Polarising aero design
Frequently asked: BMW i5 vs Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BMW i5 or the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N?
- The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $115,000 versus $155,900 for the BMW i5, a $40,900 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BMW i5 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 581 km, 114 km further than the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N's 467 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 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N accepts a peak DC charging rate of 233 kW versus 205 kW for the BMW i5. 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 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N does 0–100 km/h in 3.2 seconds — 2.8 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 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N better value than the BMW i5?
- On paper the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is $40,900 cheaper AND beats the BMW i5 on most of the headline specs we measure — meaning by spec-sheet logic it's the stronger value play. What a spec sheet can't capture: brand prestige, dealer network depth, build feel, software polish, and likely resale.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
BMW i5
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (114 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly load it up (89 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: premium sedan buyers
Choose the
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
if…
- ✓ you want to save $40,900 on the sticker
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you match the profile: performance sedan buyers
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.