BMW i3 vs. Audi e-tron
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW i3 and Audi e-tron contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW i3 and the Audi e-tron.
When we compare the BMW i3's and the Audi e-tron's specifications and ratings, the BMW i3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Audi e-tron has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW i3's and the Audi e-tron's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2021 BMW i3 ranges from $22,900 to $33,661 while a used 2021 Audi e-tron is priced between $30,786 to $44,991.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW i3 loses 57.8 percent of its value and the Audi e-tron loses 65.1 percent of its value. This means the BMW i3 retains 7.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi e-tron.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW i3’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the Audi e-tron base engine makes 402 horsepower. The i3 uses electricity, premium unleaded, and the e-tron uses electricity.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Audi e-tron, a electric SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW i3, a hybrid compact car, has the advantage in the area of front head room.
Safety Ratings: The Audi e-tron has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$48,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$51,950
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$44,550 - $67,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$65,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$53,945
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$41,990 - $65,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$28,187
Price Range:
$22,900 - $33,661
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$37,708
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$28,187 - $54,808
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
32
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
24,837
# Good or Great Deals:
16
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$37,360
Price Range:
$30,786 - $44,991
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$36,290
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
$35,219 - $37,360
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
21
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
37,615
# Good or Great Deals:
13
BMW i3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.5 / 10
Reliability:
6.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Audi e-tron Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
6.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW i3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
7.7
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
7.4 - 8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi e-tron
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
3.2 - 28.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
10.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
3.4 - 601.6
BMW i3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 20Ranking
21 out of / 28Ranking
28 out of / 28Audi e-tron Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
7 out of / 44Ranking
8 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 44Ranking
12 out of / 44Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 27Ranking
21 out of / 44Ranking
23 out of / 27Ranking
26 out of / 44Ranking
29 out of / 44Ranking
30 out of / 44Ranking
34 out of / 44Ranking
36 out of / 44Ranking
37 out of / 44Summary Review
The BMW i3 is a compact electric car and was the first European EV to market in the US. BMW broke the mold when it created this fresh approach to motoring.
Summary Review
The Audi e-tron is a roomy two-row crossover. Like all Audis, this EV is upscale and offers the satisfying driving experience that European premium vehicle owners expect.
Pros and Cons
- Ultra-green construction with low carbon footprint
- Unique styling
- Vegan interior options
- Polarizing styling
- Limited space for its price point
- Poor reliability score
- Adaptive cruise control is not standard
- Rear-wheel drive only
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 4,000-pound towing capacity
- Lower than segment average range
- Priced above many similar offerings
- Low volume availability
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
BMW i3 Trim Levels
Base, s
Audi e-tron Trim Levels
quattro Premium, quattro Premium Plus, quattro Prestige
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
168 hp
Torque:
184 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
402 hp
Torque:
490 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
0.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
2
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
30 / 31 / 31
MPGe:
107 / 93 / 100
Range (city/hwy):
195 / 197 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
78 / 77 / 78
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
95 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49.2 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
36.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
57 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3276 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
62.9 inches
Length:
158.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5699 lbs
Width:
86.2 inches
Height:
65.5 inches
Length:
193 inches
Wheelbase:
115.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 5.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
155/70R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/50R20
Exterior Colors
Black
Fluid Black w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Blue
Imperial Blue Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Gold
Galvanic Gold Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Metallic Highlight
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Silver
Cashmere Silver Metallic w/ BMW i Blue Highlight
White
Capparis White w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Beige
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Galaxy Blue Metallic / Navarra Blue Metallic
Gold
Not available
Gray
Manhattan Gray Metallic / Typhoon Gray Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White Metallic
Beige
Siam Beige Metallic
Red
Catalunya Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Brown
Tera Dark Truffle
Gray
Deka Dark / Giga Brown w/ Carum Spice Grey Wool Cloth / Mega Carum Spice Grey w/ Brown Cloth Highlight
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Brown
Okapi Brown
Gray
Not available
Beige
Pearl Beige w/ Agate Gray Stitching
Black
Black w/ Rock Gray Stitching
