BMW i3 vs Volkswagen Arteon
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2023 Volkswagen Arteon
Overview
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Volkswagen ArteonSE R-Line |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | SE R-Line |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | electric | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 7-speed automated manual |
| Engine type | electric | gas |
| Model year | 2021 | 2023 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Volkswagen ArteonSE R-Line |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $44,450 | $43,010 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $19,996 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $26,109 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $32,222 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Volkswagen ArteonSE R-Line |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | — | 28 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | — | 25 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | — | 33 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 | — | 17.4 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Volkswagen ArteonSE R-Line |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 168 hp | 300 hp (best) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | — | 2 L (best) |
| Cylinders | — | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Volkswagen ArteonSE R-Line |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo volume | 36.9 cu ft | 56.2 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 926 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,972 lbs (best) | 3,677 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | 5.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 111.9 in (best) |
| Length | 158.3 in | 191.5 in (best) |
| Width | 69.9 in | 73.7 in (best) |
| Height | 62.9 in (best) | 56.8 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW i3Base | Volkswagen ArteonSE R-Line |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 1 |
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 | BMW i3 | Volkswagen Arteon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $44,450 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE R-Line $43,010 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Base $48,300 MSRP | SEL R-Line $47,180 MSRP |
| 3 | — | SEL Premium R-Line $50,175 MSRP |
Live inventory
BMW i3 vs Volkswagen Arteon FAQ
- Which is better: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Volkswagen Arteon?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2021 BMW i3 vs 2023 Volkswagen Arteon on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Volkswagen Arteon?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon starts lower at $43,010. Live Volkswagen Arteon listings start at $19,996.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Volkswagen Arteon?
- The 2023 Volkswagen Arteon leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (43,010).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Volkswagen Arteon?
- The 2021 BMW i3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Volkswagen Arteon?
- The 2021 BMW i3 leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (153).
- Which has better horsepower: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Volkswagen Arteon?
- The 2023 Volkswagen Arteon leads on horsepower in this comparison (300).
- Which has better seats: 2021 BMW i3 or 2023 Volkswagen Arteon?
- The 2023 Volkswagen Arteon leads on seats in this comparison (5).

