2025 Tesla Model S vs 2026 BMW i5
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Tesla Model S and the 2026 BMW i5 is the MSRP, separating them by a considerable $12,890, with the Model S priced at $79,990 compared to the i5's $67,100. While the Model S benefits from a larger cabin volume with 28.2 cu ft of cargo space versus the i5's 17.3 cu ft, the i5 offers a more compact physical footprint at 74.8 inches wide compared to the Model S's 78.2 inches. The Model S is also noticeably lower, standing at 56.3 inches in height, while the i5 is taller at 59.6 inches. Although specific horsepower figures for the base Model S were not provided, the BMW i5 delivers 335 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in its base configuration. Both are all-wheel drive except for the RWD base i5, offering direct-drive transmissions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 BMW i5
The 2026 BMW i5 wins for commuters due to its significantly lower initial cost of $67,100.
2025 Tesla Model S
The 2025 Tesla Model S offers substantially greater storage volume with 28.2 cu ft versus 17.3 cu ft in the i5.
2025 Tesla Model S
The Model S's standard All-Wheel Drive setup likely provides superior dynamic performance metrics compared to the base Rear-Wheel Drive configuration of the i5.
2026 BMW i5
The BMW i5 presents a compelling entry point into the electric sedan segment with a $12,890 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Tesla Model S if...
- Cargo space is a top priority, as the Model S provides 28.2 cu ft of storage.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive performance capabilities.
- A lower vehicle height of 56.3 inches is preferred over the i5's 59.6 inches.
Choose the BMW i5 if...
- Budget is a primary concern, indicated by the $67,100 MSRP compared to the Model S's $79,990.
- A smaller physical width of 74.8 inches is necessary for tight parking situations.
- The listed 335 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque meet immediate driving power requirements.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Tesla Model S | BMW i5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7" | 199.2" |
| Width | 78.2" | 74.8" |
| Height | 56.3" | 59.6" |
| Wheelbase | 116.5" | 117.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Tesla | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Front Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Tesla | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Type | electric | electric |
| Horsepower | — | 335 hp |
| Torque | — | 295 lb-ft |
Drive Train
| Feature | Tesla | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Tesla | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | electric | electric |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | NACS | SAE Combo |
| Battery Capacity | — | 84.3 kWh |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Tesla | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Tesla | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 17.0 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 960W | 205W |
| Speaker System | 22 | 12 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 2 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Harman/Kardon |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 12 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Tesla | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Tesla | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 38.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.4 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Tesla | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 37.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.5 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.3 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Tesla | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 10.5 in | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 285/40R19 | 245/45R19 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Tesla | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Tesla | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 8 yr./ 150000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| EV Battery Warranty | 8 yr./ 150000 mi. | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | — | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Tesla Model S and 2026 BMW i5.
What is the specific cargo capacity difference between these two electric sedans?
The 2025 Tesla Model S offers 28.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is substantially more than the 17.3 cubic feet available in the 2026 BMW i5.
How much more does the 2025 Tesla Model S cost than the 2026 BMW i5?
The Model S commands a premium price, starting at $79,990, making it $12,890 more expensive than the BMW i5's $67,100 MSRP.
Are both cars offered with All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment?
No, the Tesla Model S is listed with All-Wheel Drive, but the base 2026 BMW i5 is specified with Rear-Wheel Drive.
How do the external dimensions compare between the two vehicles?
The BMW i5 is slightly longer at 199.2 inches, but the Model S is significantly wider at 78.2 inches versus the i5's 74.8 inches.
What is the published horsepower for the base BMW i5?
The 2026 BMW i5 base model delivers 335 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle sits lower to the ground?
The Tesla Model S has a lower overall height of 56.3 inches, making it 3.3 inches lower than the 59.6-inch tall BMW i5.
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