BMW i5 vs Chevrolet Bolt EV
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW i5 | Chevrolet Bolt EV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 601 | 200 | +200.5% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 820 | 361 | +127.1% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 18.2 | 17.7 | +2.8% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (NHTSA) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | 1-Speed Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $107,460 | $41,700 | +157.7% |
- BMW i5 makes about 201% more power (601 vs 200 hp).
- Chevrolet Bolt EV is the more efficient EV, using 17.7 kWh/100km against 18.2.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (Germany and US); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: i5 or Bolt EV?
BMW i5 advantages
- Engine power (+67%)
- Pulling torque (+56%)
Chevrolet Bolt EV advantages
- Affordability (+61%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BMW i5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Chevrolet Bolt EV if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the BMW i5 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
BMW i5 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
BMW i5 vs Chevrolet Bolt EV: which should you choose?
BMW i5 (2024 M60 xDrive) — electric sedan with 601 hp and 820 Nm, rated at 18.2 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $107,460 in the Germany market.
Chevrolet Bolt EV (2021 Premier) — electric hatchback with 200 hp and 361 Nm, rated at 17.7 kWh/100km, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $41,700 in the US market.
BMW i5 vs Chevrolet Bolt EV: BMW i5 is more powerful. BMW i5 makes about 201% more power (601 vs 200 hp). Chevrolet Bolt EV is the more efficient EV, using 17.7 kWh/100km against 18.2.
Performance
The BMW i5 is the more powerful, at 601 hp against 200 hp, with 820 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is the more efficient EV, drawing 17.7 kWh/100km against 18.2 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
BMW i5 is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and Chevrolet Bolt EV 5 stars by NHTSA. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Chevrolet Bolt EV lists lower at about $41,700 (USD-converted from the US 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 i5 better than the Chevrolet Bolt EV?
BMW i5 takes the overall edge, though Chevrolet Bolt EV wins in specific areas worth weighing. BMW i5 makes about 201% more power (601 vs 200 hp).
What is the main difference between the BMW i5 and the Chevrolet Bolt EV?
BMW i5 makes about 201% more power (601 vs 200 hp). Chevrolet Bolt EV is the more efficient EV, using 17.7 kWh/100km against 18.2.
Which is better value?
BMW i5 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the BMW i5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Chevrolet Bolt EV if you want the lower upfront cost.
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.