BYD Tang DM vs BMW i5
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BYD Tang DM | BMW i5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 600 | 601 | -0.2% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 950 | 820 | +15.9% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (C-NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Plug-in Hybrid | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 6-DCT | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $33,152 | $107,460 | -69.1% |
- BMW i5 makes about 0% more power (601 vs 600 hp).
- Their economy figures use different measures (Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (China and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Tang DM or i5?
BYD Tang DM advantages
- Pulling torque (+14%)
- Affordability (+69%)
BMW i5 advantages
- No decisive advantage on the tracked metrics.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BYD Tang DM if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
- Choose the BYD Tang DM if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
BYD Tang DM delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
BYD Tang DM vs BMW i5: which should you choose?
BYD Tang DM (2020 AWD Performance Flagship) — plug-in hybrid suv with 600 hp and 950 Nm, rated at 55.6 km/L, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $33,152 in the China market.
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.
BYD Tang DM vs BMW i5: BMW i5 is more powerful. BMW i5 makes about 0% more power (601 vs 600 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Performance
The BMW i5 is the more powerful, at 601 hp against 600 hp, with 820 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
These cars use different energy types (Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric), so compare cost per kilometre at your local fuel and electricity prices rather than a single economy number.
Safety
BYD Tang DM is rated 5 stars by C-NCAP and BMW i5 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The BYD Tang DM lists lower at about $33,152 (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 BYD Tang DM better than the BMW i5?
BYD Tang DM is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. BMW i5 makes about 0% more power (601 vs 600 hp).
What is the main difference between the BYD Tang DM and the BMW i5?
BMW i5 makes about 0% more power (601 vs 600 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Plug-in Hybrid vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Which is better value?
BYD Tang DM delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the BYD Tang DM if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads. Choose the BYD Tang DM 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.