Which is cheaper, the BMW i5 or the Lotus Emeya?

The BMW i5 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $155,900 versus $189,990 for the Lotus Emeya, a $34,090 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.

Which has the longer driving range?

The Lotus Emeya has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 600 km, 19 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 Lotus Emeya accepts a peak DC charging rate of 350 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 Lotus Emeya does 0–100 km/h in 4.2 seconds — 1.8 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 BMW i5 better value than the Lotus Emeya?

On paper the BMW i5 is $34,090 cheaper, but trails the Lotus Emeya on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the Lotus Emeya is the spec-sheet winner.

Head-to-head

BMW i5 vs Lotus Emeya

The BMW i5 starts $34,090 (18%) below the Lotus Emeya. Here's how that price gap plays out across 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

Lotus Emeya

Lotus's electric hyper-GT sedan — same platform as the Eletre but in a slippery four-door body. The R variant cracks 0-100 in 2.78 seconds.

From: $189,990
Range: 600 km
Battery: 112 kWh

Key differences at a glance

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

1

DC charging · advantage Lotus Emeya

The Lotus Emeya accepts 145 kW more DC peak charging (350 vs 205 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
2

Battery · advantage Lotus Emeya

The Lotus Emeya carries a 30.8 kWh larger battery (112 vs 81.2 kWh).
3

Power · advantage Lotus Emeya

The Lotus Emeya puts down 155 kW more (405 vs 250 kW).
4

Price · advantage BMW i5

The BMW i5 undercuts the Lotus Emeya by $34,090 (18%) on starting price.
5

0–100 km/h · advantage Lotus Emeya

The Lotus Emeya is 1.8 s quicker to 100 km/h (4.15 s vs 6 s).

Spec for spec

Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.

Spec

BMW i5

Lotus Emeya

Price from

$155,900

$189,990

Range (WLTP)

581 km

600 km

Battery capacity

81.2 kWh

112 kWh

Motor power

250 kW

405 kW

Torque

430 Nm

710 Nm

0–100 km/h

6.0 s

4.2 s

Efficiency

—

DC fast charging

205 kW

350 kW

Boot

490 L

—

ANCAP

5★

—

Vehicle warranty

5 yrs

Where the BMW i5 wins

▸ Cheaper by $34,090

Where the Lotus Emeya wins

▸ 19 km longer WLTP range
▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (4.15s vs 6s)
▸ Faster DC charging peak (350 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)

Lotus Emeya

What we like

✓ 350 kW DC charging is class-leading
✓ Genuine hyper-car performance from the R variant (2.78s)
✓ Distinctive Lotus design language

What we don't

✕ Premium pricing limits cross-shop pool
✕ Sedan boot limits cargo flexibility
✕ Lotus service network limited in Australia

Frequently asked: BMW i5 vs Lotus Emeya

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

Which is cheaper, the BMW i5 or the Lotus Emeya?: The BMW i5 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $155,900 versus $189,990 for the Lotus Emeya, a $34,090 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
Which has the longer driving range?: The Lotus Emeya has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 600 km, 19 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 Lotus Emeya accepts a peak DC charging rate of 350 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 Lotus Emeya does 0–100 km/h in 4.2 seconds — 1.8 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 BMW i5 better value than the Lotus Emeya?: On paper the BMW i5 is $34,090 cheaper, but trails the Lotus Emeya on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the Lotus Emeya is the spec-sheet winner.

Which one should you buy?

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

Choose the

BMW i5

if…

✓ you want to save $34,090 on the sticker
✓ you match the profile: premium sedan buyers

See the BMW i5 →

Choose the

Lotus Emeya

if…

✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
✓ you match the profile: performance ev buyers

See the Lotus Emeya →

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.