Audi S5 Sportback vs BMW i3
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 BMW i3
Overview
| Spec | Audi S5 SportbackPremium | BMW i3Base |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premium | Base |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | electric |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 1-speed direct drive |
| Engine type | gas | electric |
| Model year | 2025 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi S5 SportbackPremium | BMW i3Base |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $57,900 | $44,450 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi S5 SportbackPremium | BMW i3Base |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG (best) | — |
| City MPG | 20 MPG (best) | — |
| Highway MPG | 29 MPG (best) | — |
| Combined MPGe | — | 113 MPGe (best) |
| Electric range | — | 153 mi (best) |
| Battery capacity | — | 42 kWh (best) |
| 240V charge time | — | 7 hr (best) |
| Fuel tank | 15.3 gal (best) | — |
Performance
| Spec | Audi S5 SportbackPremium | BMW i3Base |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 349 hp (best) | 168 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft (best) | 184 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3 L (best) | — |
| Cylinders | V6 | — |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi S5 SportbackPremium | BMW i3Base |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats (best) | 4 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 21.8 cu ft | 36.9 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 1,058 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,924 lbs | 2,972 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in (best) | 101.2 in |
| Length | 187.2 in (best) | 158.3 in |
| Width | 72.6 in (best) | 69.9 in |
| Height | 54.6 in | 62.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi S5 SportbackPremium | BMW i3Base |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Audi S5 Sportback | BMW i3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium $57,900 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $44,450 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium $62,700 MSRP | Base $48,300 MSRP |
| 3 | Premium Plus $61,800 MSRP | — |
| 4 | Premium Plus $66,500 MSRP | — |
| 5 | Prestige $64,500 MSRP | — |
| 6 | Prestige $70,250 MSRP | — |
Audi S5 Sportback vs BMW i3 FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Audi S5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Audi S5 Sportback vs 2021 BMW i3 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2025 Audi S5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2021 BMW i3 starts lower at $44,450.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Audi S5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- The 2021 BMW i3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (44,450).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Audi S5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- The 2021 BMW i3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2025 Audi S5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- The 2021 BMW i3 leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (153).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Audi S5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- The 2025 Audi S5 Sportback leads on horsepower in this comparison (362).
- Which has better seats: 2025 Audi S5 Sportback or 2021 BMW i3?
- The 2025 Audi S5 Sportback leads on seats in this comparison (5).