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BMW i5 vs smart #1 comparison

Compare performance (601 HP vs 368 HP), boot space and price (60,800 £ vs 40,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW i5 or smart #1?

BMW i5 vs smart #1: Key differences

BMW i5

  • visibly more power
  • visibly more efficient
  • visibly more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly more trunk space
details

smart #1

  • clearly cheaper
  • a bit lighter
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

i5

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

smart #1 is clearly cheaper – starting at 40,700 £ , while the BMW i5 costs 60,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 20,066 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BMW i5 is visibly more efficient: consuming 14.7 kWh/100km compared to 18.2 kWh/100km for the smart #1. That’s a difference of about 3.5 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BMW i5 offers visibly more range – reaching up to 627 km, about 227 km more than the smart #1.

#1

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW i5 offers visibly more power – delivering 601 HP compared to 368 HP. That’s roughly 233 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW i5 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the smart #1 takes 4.9 s. That’s about 1.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW i5 delivers considerably more torque with 820 Nm compared to 470 Nm. That’s about 350 Nm more.

i5

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, smart #1 is a bit lighter – 1,900 kg compared to 2,195 kg. The difference is around 295 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW i5 offers visibly more boot space – 490 L compared to 313 L. That’s a difference of about 177 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW i5 carries clearly more – 545 kg compared to 425 kg. That’s a difference of about 120 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW i5 stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £60,800
i5

BMW i5

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 340 - 601 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 14.7 - 17.1 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 540 - 627 km
details

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW i5

The BMW i5 swaps predictable executive-car manners for a confident electric vibe, marrying refined comfort with surprisingly engaging steering. It’s a practical choice that doesn’t feel dull, offering the kind of clean, premium experience that makes commuting feel like a small indulgence.

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smart #1

The Smart #1 feels like a breath of fresh air in the compact EV world, pairing playful styling with usable space and a cabin that punches above its size. It skips the fuss and delivers an easygoing, city-friendly driving experience with clever features that make it a sensible, slightly cheeky choice for everyday motoring.

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smart #1

Costs and Consumption
Price
60,800 - 85,900 £
Price
40,700 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.7 - 17.1 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
18.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
540 - 627 km
Electric Range
400 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,195 - 2,370 kg
Curb weight
1,900 kg
Trunk capacity
490 L
Trunk capacity
313 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,900 mm
Width
1,822 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
525 - 545 kg
Payload
425 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
340 - 601 HP
Power HP
368 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
430 - 820 Nm
Torque
470 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
250 - 442 kW
Power kW
271 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,023 - 2,024
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BMW
Brand
smart
Is the BMW i5 offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW i5 is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.