SAIC-Volkswagen Passat vs BMW i5
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | SAIC-Volkswagen Passat | BMW i5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 150 | 601 | -75.0% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 250 | 820 | -69.5% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (C-NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 7-DCT | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $25,186 | $107,460 | -76.6% |
- BMW i5 makes about 75% more power (601 vs 150 hp).
- Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol 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: Passat or i5?
SAIC-Volkswagen Passat advantages
- Affordability (+77%)
BMW i5 advantages
- Engine power (+75%)
- Pulling torque (+70%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the SAIC-Volkswagen Passat if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the BMW i5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
SAIC-Volkswagen Passat delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
SAIC-Volkswagen Passat vs BMW i5: which should you choose?
SAIC-Volkswagen Passat (2021 280TSI DSG Business) — petrol sedan with 150 hp and 250 Nm, rated at 17.2 km/L, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $25,186 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.
SAIC-Volkswagen Passat vs BMW i5: BMW i5 is more powerful. BMW i5 makes about 75% more power (601 vs 150 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol 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 150 hp, with 820 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
These cars use different energy types (Petrol vs Electric), so compare cost per kilometre at your local fuel and electricity prices rather than a single economy number.
Safety
SAIC-Volkswagen Passat 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 SAIC-Volkswagen Passat lists lower at about $25,186 (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 SAIC-Volkswagen Passat better than the BMW i5?
BMW i5 takes the overall edge, though SAIC-Volkswagen Passat wins in specific areas worth weighing. BMW i5 makes about 75% more power (601 vs 150 hp).
What is the main difference between the SAIC-Volkswagen Passat and the BMW i5?
BMW i5 makes about 75% more power (601 vs 150 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Which is better value?
SAIC-Volkswagen Passat delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the SAIC-Volkswagen Passat 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.