Volkswagen e-Up! vs BMW i5
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volkswagen e-Up! | BMW i5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 83 | 601 | -86.2% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 212 | 820 | -74.1% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 14.5 | 18.2 | -20.3% |
| NCAP safety | 3★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $23,112 | $107,460 | -78.5% |
- BMW i5 makes about 86% more power (601 vs 83 hp).
- Volkswagen e-Up! is the more efficient EV, using 14.5 kWh/100km against 18.2.
Verdict: e-Up! or i5?
Volkswagen e-Up! advantages
- Energy efficiency (+20%)
- Affordability (+78%)
BMW i5 advantages
- Engine power (+86%)
- Pulling torque (+74%)
- Crash-test safety (+40%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Volkswagen e-Up! if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
- Choose the BMW i5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Volkswagen e-Up! if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
BMW i5 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Volkswagen e-Up! vs BMW i5: which should you choose?
Volkswagen e-Up! (2020 Pro) — electric hatchback with 83 hp and 212 Nm, rated at 14.5 kWh/100km, 3-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $23,112 in the Germany 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.
Volkswagen e-Up! vs BMW i5: BMW i5 is more powerful. BMW i5 makes about 86% more power (601 vs 83 hp). Volkswagen e-Up! is the more efficient EV, using 14.5 kWh/100km against 18.2.
Performance
The BMW i5 is the more powerful, at 601 hp against 83 hp, with 820 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Volkswagen e-Up! is the more efficient EV, drawing 14.5 kWh/100km against 18.2 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
Volkswagen e-Up! is rated 3 stars by Euro 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 Volkswagen e-Up! lists lower at about $23,112 (USD-converted from the Germany 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 Volkswagen e-Up! better than the BMW i5?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. BMW i5 makes about 86% more power (601 vs 83 hp).
What is the main difference between the Volkswagen e-Up! and the BMW i5?
BMW i5 makes about 86% more power (601 vs 83 hp). Volkswagen e-Up! is the more efficient EV, using 14.5 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 Volkswagen e-Up! if you want the lowest charging costs per km. 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.