BMW i4 vs SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW i4 | SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 340 | 170 | +100.0% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 430 | 310 | +38.7% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 16.1 | 13.9 | +15.8% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (C-NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Single-speed | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $77,544 | $22,372 | +246.6% |
- BMW i4 makes about 100% more power (340 vs 170 hp).
- SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 is the more efficient EV, using 13.9 kWh/100km against 16.1.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (EU and China); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: i4 or ID.3?
BMW i4 advantages
- Engine power (+50%)
- Pulling torque (+28%)
SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 advantages
- Energy efficiency (+14%)
- Affordability (+71%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BMW i4 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
- Choose the BMW i4 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
BMW i4 vs SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3: which should you choose?
BMW i4 (2026 i4 eDrive40 M Sport) — electric sedan with 340 hp and 430 Nm, rated at 16.1 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $77,544 in the EU market.
SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 (2021 Pro Edition) — electric hatchback with 170 hp and 310 Nm, rated at 13.9 kWh/100km, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $22,372 in the China market.
BMW i4 vs SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3: BMW i4 is more powerful. BMW i4 makes about 100% more power (340 vs 170 hp). SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 is the more efficient EV, using 13.9 kWh/100km against 16.1.
Performance
The BMW i4 is the more powerful, at 340 hp against 170 hp, with 430 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 is the more efficient EV, drawing 13.9 kWh/100km against 16.1 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
BMW i4 is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 5 stars by C-NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 lists lower at about $22,372 (USD-converted from the China 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 i4 better than the SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. BMW i4 makes about 100% more power (340 vs 170 hp).
What is the main difference between the BMW i4 and the SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3?
BMW i4 makes about 100% more power (340 vs 170 hp). SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 is the more efficient EV, using 13.9 kWh/100km against 16.1.
Which is better value?
SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the BMW i4 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the SAIC-Volkswagen ID.3 if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
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.