BMW i3s vs Audi RS e-tron GT
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW i3s | Audi RS e-tron GT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 184 | 646 | -71.5% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 270 | 830 | -67.5% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 16.3 | 20.2 | -19.3% |
| NCAP safety | 4★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $45,900 | $153,900 | -70.2% |
- Audi RS e-tron GT makes about 72% more power (646 vs 184 hp).
- BMW i3s is the more efficient EV, using 16.3 kWh/100km against 20.2.
Verdict: i3s or RS e-tron GT?
BMW i3s advantages
- Energy efficiency (+19%)
- Affordability (+70%)
Audi RS e-tron GT advantages
- Engine power (+72%)
- Pulling torque (+67%)
- Crash-test safety (+20%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BMW i3s if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
- Choose the Audi RS e-tron GT if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the BMW i3s if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
Audi RS e-tron GT delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
BMW i3s vs Audi RS e-tron GT: which should you choose?
BMW i3s (2021 120 Ah Sport) — electric hatchback with 184 hp and 270 Nm, rated at 16.3 kWh/100km, 4-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $45,900 in the Germany market.
Audi RS e-tron GT (2024 RS e-tron GT quattro) — electric sedan with 646 hp and 830 Nm, rated at 20.2 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $153,900 in the Germany market.
BMW i3s vs Audi RS e-tron GT: Audi RS e-tron GT is more powerful. Audi RS e-tron GT makes about 72% more power (646 vs 184 hp). BMW i3s is the more efficient EV, using 16.3 kWh/100km against 20.2.
Performance
The Audi RS e-tron GT is the more powerful, at 646 hp against 184 hp, with 830 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The BMW i3s is the more efficient EV, drawing 16.3 kWh/100km against 20.2 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
BMW i3s is rated 4 stars by Euro NCAP and Audi RS e-tron GT 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The BMW i3s lists lower at about $45,900 (USD-converted from the Germany market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW i3s better than the Audi RS e-tron GT?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Audi RS e-tron GT makes about 72% more power (646 vs 184 hp).
What is the main difference between the BMW i3s and the Audi RS e-tron GT?
Audi RS e-tron GT makes about 72% more power (646 vs 184 hp). BMW i3s is the more efficient EV, using 16.3 kWh/100km against 20.2.
Which is better value?
Audi RS e-tron GT delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the BMW i3s if you want the lowest charging costs per km. Choose the Audi RS e-tron GT if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.