VS

BMW i5 vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (601 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (60,800 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW i5 or VW Golf?

BMW i5 vs VW Golf: Key differences

BMW i5

  • considerably more power
  • significantly more electric range
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
details

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • significantly lighter
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

i5

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Golf is considerably cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the BMW i5 costs 60,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 32,490 £.

As for electric range, the BMW i5 offers significantly more range – reaching up to 627 km, about 484 km more than the VW Golf.

Golf

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 considerably more power – delivering 601 HP compared to 325 HP. That’s roughly 276 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW i5 is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the VW Golf takes 5.3 s. That’s about 1.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW i5 delivers significantly more torque with 820 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 400 Nm more.

i5

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf is significantly lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 2,195 kg. The difference is around 888 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW i5 offers clearly more boot space – 490 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 109 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW i5 carries very slightly more – 545 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 37 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW i5 is decisively ahead 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

Frequently compared as well

VW Golf
VW T-Roc
VS
The VW Golf still sets the benchmark in the compact class — a composed, all‑round hatch that rewards drivers with precise steering, efficient engines and sensible practicality for daily life. The VW T‑Roc trades a bit of that pinch‑perfect poise for SUV style, a higher seating position and a …
VW Golf
VW Taigo
VS
The VW Golf remains the benchmark compact hatchback with precise handling, sensible packaging and a grown-up interior that rewards drivers who value refinement and everyday usability; the Taigo, by contrast, trades some practicality for SUV looks and a higher ride, offering bolder styling, slightly …
BMW i5
VW Golf

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.

details
P90506443_highRes_the-new-bmw-i5-edriv
P90506448_highRes_the-new-bmw-i5-edriv
P90505515_highRes_the-new-bmw-i5-m60-x

Reviews BMW i5

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

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

details
DB2019AU02117_medium
DB2019AU02116_medium
DB2019AU02120_medium
DB2019AU02082_medium
DB2019AU02081_medium
DB2019AU02087_medium
DB2019AU02105_medium

Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

Frequently compared as well

Skoda Fabia
VW Golf
VS
Two icons of the small-car world go head-to-head: the Skoda Fabia, the bargain-minded all-rounder, takes on the VW Golf, the class benchmark for driving refinement and pedigree. We’ll compare space, tech, engines and running costs to tell buyers which one delivers the best balance of value, comfort …
Skoda Scala
VW Golf
VS
In one corner the Skoda Scala — clever, spacious and gloriously sensible; in the other the VW Golf — the benchmark hatchback that smooths out imperfections and keeps resale values healthy. Which one deserves your driveway: the Scala’s no-nonsense practicality and lower price, or the Golf’s polish, …
SEAT Ibiza
VW Golf
VS
The SEAT Ibiza and the VW Golf are two staple compact hatchbacks — the Ibiza leans toward youthful styling, sharp handling and strong value, while the Golf delivers a more refined cabin, broader model range and higher-tech options. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prioritise fun and …
BMW i5
BMW iX3
VS
The BMW i5 and BMW iX3 represent two distinct approaches to BMW’s electric range: the i5 is a tech-rich, performance-oriented electric executive sedan, while the iX3 is a compact electric SUV focused on practicality and comfort. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prefer sedan-like …
Audi A1
VW Golf
VS
Tiny premium flair meets mainstream mastery: the Audi A1 brings city-class style, crisp interiors and nimble handling, while the VW Golf remains the benchmark hatchback — spacious, sensible and hard to beat. We pit the posh A1 against the practical Golf to find out which one earns your money, your …
Audi Q2
VW Golf
VS
The Audi Q2 trades the Golf’s down-to-earth practicality for a dash of city-cool style and a slightly raised driving position, so you’ll arrive looking sharper — but with a bit less rear-seat space and often a higher price. For buyers who value sensible packaging, ride comfort and everyday …
VW Golf
VW Passat
VS
Choosing between the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Passat comes down to whether you prioritize compact agility or passenger and luggage space. The Golf is a nimble, city-friendly hatchback with engaging handling and easy parking, while the Passat delivers a more spacious cabin, smoother ride …
Toyota Yaris
VW Golf
VS
Comparing the Toyota Yaris and the Volkswagen Golf highlights two distinct compact-car philosophies. The Yaris excels at fuel economy, low running costs and city-friendly agility, while the Golf offers more interior space, sharper handling and a more upmarket feel.
BMW i5
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
60,800 - 85,900 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.7 - 17.1 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
540 - 627 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
25 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,195 - 2,370 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
490 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,900 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
525 - 545 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
340 - 601 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
430 - 820 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
250 - 442 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,023 - 2,024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
Brand
BMW
Brand
VW
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.