Battle of the evs: nissan leaf vs. bmw i3 – who wins in range, performance, and price?
What To Know
- If you’re looking for a more premium experience with a longer range and a more luxurious interior, the BMW i3 is a better choice.
- The BMW i3 is slightly more efficient than the Nissan LEAF, with an energy consumption of 118 MPGe in the city compared to 111 MPGe for the LEAF.
- The Nissan LEAF has a more spacious interior than the BMW i3, with seating for five and a larger cargo capacity.
In the ever-evolving world of electric vehicles, the Nissan LEAF and BMW i3 stand out as two of the most popular and well-regarded options. Both vehicles offer a unique blend of performance, efficiency, and style, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Nissan LEAF and BMW i3 to help you make an informed decision.
Performance
Powertrain:
- Nissan LEAF: Electric motor with 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque
- BMW i3: Electric motor with 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque (181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft with optional range extender)
Acceleration:
- Nissan LEAF: 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds
- BMW i3: 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds (6.8 seconds with range extender)
Top Speed:
- Nissan LEAF: 97 mph
- BMW i3: 99 mph (110 mph with range extender)
Range and Efficiency
Range:
- Nissan LEAF: 150 miles (standard) or 215 miles (extended range)
- BMW i3: 153 miles (standard) or 200 miles (with optional range extender)
Energy Consumption:
- Nissan LEAF: 111 MPGe in the city, 145 MPGe on the highway
- BMW i3: 118 MPGe in the city, 138 MPGe on the highway
Charging
Charging Time:
- Nissan LEAF: 40 minutes to 80% charge with a fast charger
- BMW i3: 30 minutes to 80% charge with a fast charger
Charging Options:
- Nissan LEAF: Supports Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging
- BMW i3: Supports Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging
Interior and Comfort
Cabin Space:
- Nissan LEAF: Roomy interior with seating for five and a cargo capacity of 24 cubic feet
- BMW i3: Smaller interior with seating for four and a cargo capacity of 15.1 cubic feet
Features:
- Nissan LEAF: Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose audio system
- BMW i3: Standard features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system
Exterior Design
Styling:
- Nissan LEAF: Sleek and aerodynamic design with a futuristic silhouette
- BMW i3: Unique and futuristic design with a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic body
Colors:
- Nissan LEAF: Available in a range of colors, including Arctic Blue, Pearl White, and Scarlet Ember
- BMW i3: Available in a variety of colors, including Fluid Black, Protonic Blue, and Capparis White
Safety
Safety Ratings:
- Nissan LEAF: 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA
- BMW i3: 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA
Safety Features:
- Nissan LEAF: Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring
- BMW i3: Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and pedestrian detection
Price and Value
Starting Price:
- Nissan LEAF: $27,400
- BMW i3: $44,450
Value:
- Nissan LEAF: Offers a great value for money, with a competitive price and a generous range of features
- BMW i3: Offers a more premium experience, with a higher price tag and a more luxurious interior
In a nutshell: The Best Electric Vehicle for You
Ultimately, the best choice between the Nissan LEAF and BMW i3 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for an affordable, efficient, and practical electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF is a great option. If you’re looking for a more premium experience with a longer range and a more luxurious interior, the BMW i3 is a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a longer range?
A: Both the Nissan LEAF and BMW i3 offer similar ranges, with the extended range versions offering up to 215 miles and 200 miles respectively.
Q: Which vehicle is more efficient?
A: The BMW i3 is slightly more efficient than the Nissan LEAF, with an energy consumption of 118 MPGe in the city compared to 111 MPGe for the LEAF.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Nissan LEAF has a more spacious interior than the BMW i3, with seating for five and a larger cargo capacity.
Q: Which vehicle is more expensive?
A: The BMW i3 is more expensive than the Nissan LEAF, with a starting price of $44,450 compared to $27,400 for the LEAF.
Q: Which vehicle is better for long-distance travel?
A: Both vehicles are capable of long-distance travel, but the BMW i3’s optional range extender gives it a slight advantage in this area.