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BMW i5 vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (601 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (60,800 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW i5 or Subaru Forester?

BMW i5 vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

BMW i5

  • significantly more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • markedly lighter
  • barely more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

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.

Subaru Forester is clearly cheaper – starting at 34,700 £ , while the BMW i5 costs 60,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 26,066 £.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW i5 offers significantly more power – delivering 601 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 465 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW i5 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 8.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW i5 delivers considerably more torque with 820 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 638 Nm more.

i5

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Forester is markedly lighter – 1,693 kg compared to 2,195 kg. The difference is around 502 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers barely more boot space – 508 L compared to 490 L. That’s a difference of about 18 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW i5 carries only slightly more – 545 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 53 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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Subaru Forester

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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Reviews BMW i5

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
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Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

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Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
60,800 - 85,900 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.7 - 17.1 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
540 - 627 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
183 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
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
490 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,900 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
525 - 545 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
340 - 601 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
430 - 820 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
250 - 442 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,023 - 2,024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Subaru
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.