Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs BMW i5
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | BMW i5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 225 | 601 | -62.6% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 350 | 820 | -57.3% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 18.2 | 18.2 | — |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (NHTSA) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 1-Speed Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $48,200 | $107,460 | -55.1% |
- BMW i5 makes about 63% more power (601 vs 225 hp).
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Ioniq 5 or i5?
Hyundai Ioniq 5 advantages
- Affordability (+55%)
BMW i5 advantages
- Engine power (+63%)
- Pulling torque (+57%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Hyundai Ioniq 5 if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the BMW i5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
BMW i5 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs BMW i5: which should you choose?
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2026 SEL RWD Long Range) — electric suv with 225 hp and 350 Nm, rated at 18.2 kWh/100km, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $48,200 in the US 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.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs BMW i5: BMW i5 is more powerful. BMW i5 makes about 63% more power (601 vs 225 hp). Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Performance
The BMW i5 is the more powerful, at 601 hp against 225 hp, with 820 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the more efficient EV, drawing 18.2 kWh/100km against 18.2 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
Hyundai Ioniq 5 is rated 5 stars by NHTSA 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 Hyundai Ioniq 5 lists lower at about $48,200 (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 Hyundai Ioniq 5 better than the BMW i5?
BMW i5 takes the overall edge, though Hyundai Ioniq 5 wins in specific areas worth weighing. BMW i5 makes about 63% more power (601 vs 225 hp).
What is the main difference between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the BMW i5?
BMW i5 makes about 63% more power (601 vs 225 hp). Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
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 Hyundai Ioniq 5 if you want the lower upfront cost. Choose the BMW i5 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.