Nissan Leaf vs BMW i5
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Nissan Leaf | BMW i5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 214 | 601 | -64.4% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 339 | 820 | -58.7% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 20.1 | 18.2 | +10.4% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (NHTSA) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 1-Speed Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $36,900 | $107,460 | -65.7% |
- BMW i5 makes about 64% more power (601 vs 214 hp).
- BMW i5 is the more efficient EV, using 18.2 kWh/100km against 20.1.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Leaf or i5?
Nissan Leaf advantages
- Affordability (+66%)
BMW i5 advantages
- Engine power (+64%)
- Pulling torque (+59%)
- Energy efficiency (+9%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Nissan Leaf if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the BMW i5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
Nissan Leaf delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Nissan Leaf vs BMW i5: which should you choose?
Nissan Leaf (2026 SV Plus) — electric hatchback with 214 hp and 339 Nm, rated at 20.1 kWh/100km, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $36,900 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.
Nissan Leaf vs BMW i5: BMW i5 is more powerful. BMW i5 makes about 64% more power (601 vs 214 hp). BMW i5 is the more efficient EV, using 18.2 kWh/100km against 20.1.
Performance
The BMW i5 is the more powerful, at 601 hp against 214 hp, with 820 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The BMW i5 is the more efficient EV, drawing 18.2 kWh/100km against 20.1 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
Nissan Leaf 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 Nissan Leaf lists lower at about $36,900 (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 Nissan Leaf better than the BMW i5?
BMW i5 takes the overall edge, though Nissan Leaf wins in specific areas worth weighing. BMW i5 makes about 64% more power (601 vs 214 hp).
What is the main difference between the Nissan Leaf and the BMW i5?
BMW i5 makes about 64% more power (601 vs 214 hp). BMW i5 is the more efficient EV, using 18.2 kWh/100km against 20.1.
Which is better value?
Nissan Leaf delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Nissan Leaf 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.