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Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron vs BMW i5
Selected trimquattroChange trim390 mi · 100 kWh · £71,475
Selected trimeDrive40 M SportChange trim357 mi · 83.9 kWh · £67,795
At a glance
In this comparison, Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron leads on motorway range and charging speed, while the BMW i5 leads on running costs.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the fastest charging of these options
Choose the BMW i5 if...
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 2p per mile on off-peak electricity
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron edges ahead overall, but it's close - check which categories matter most to you.
Value
Audi
5.7
BMW
5.6
Too close to call
Motorway RangeAudi
Audi
8.3
BMW
5.4
Family
Audi
7.5
BMW
7.6
Too close to call
ChargingAudi
Audi
8.2
BMW
5.2
Cost Per MileBMW
Audi
4.2
BMW
6.4
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron
quattro
- 34 miles more WLTP range
- 65 kW faster rapid charging
- 8 min quicker 10-80% rapid charge
- 35 kW more power
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Audi Q6 Sportback e-tronquattro | BMW i5eDrive40 M Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £71,475 | £67,795 (better) |
| Official range | 390 miles (better) | 357 miles |
| Boot space | 511 L (better) | 490 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 22 min (better) | 30 min |
| 0-62 mph | 5.9 sec (better) | 6 sec |
Size Comparison
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Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron
BMW i5
Length
Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron4,771mm-289mm
BMW i55,060mm
Width
Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron1,939mm
BMW i51,900mm-39mm
Height
Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron1,665mm
BMW i51,515mm-150mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Audi Q6 Sportback e-tronquattro | BMW i5eDrive40 M Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,771 mm | 5,060 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,939 mm | 1,900 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,193 mm | Not available |
| Height | 1,665 mm | 1,515 mm |
| Turning circle | 12.1 m (better) | 12.3 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 461 mm spare | 500 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Audi Q6 Sportback e-tronquattro | BMW i5eDrive40 M Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 511 L (better) | 490 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1373 L | Not available |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 2,000 kg | Not available |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron
- 390 mile WLTP range, longer than 95% of SUVs we track.
- Peak DC charging of 270 kW, faster than 85% of SUVs in our catalogue.
- Braked towing capacity of 2,000 kg, a stronger tow rating than 80% of SUVs we track.
BMW i5
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro |  BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.77m | 5.06m+289mm |
| Width | 1.94m | 1.90m-39mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.19m | Not available |
| Height | 1.67m | 1.51m-150mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.89m | 3.00m+106mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 511L (better) | 490L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1373L | Not available |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 12.1m (better) | 12.3m |
| Kerb Weight | 2,150kg (better) | 2,195kg |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000kg | Not available |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 100kWh (better) | 83.9kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 390 mi (better) | 357 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 270kW (better) | 205kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £71,475 | £67,795 (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | Saloon |
| Available | 2025+ | 2023+ |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Audi Q6 Sportback e-tronquattro | BMW i5eDrive40 M Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 390 miles (better) | 357 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 325 miles (better) | 297 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 22 min (better) | 30 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 270 kW (better) | 205 kW |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 22 kW (better) |
| Usable battery capacity | 94.9 kWh (better) | 81.2 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | NMC |
| Battery architecture | 800V (better) | 400V |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Audi Q6 Sportback e-tronquattro | BMW i5eDrive40 M Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 5.9 sec (better) | 6 sec |
| Power | 285 kW (better) | 250 kW |
| Torque | 485 Nm (better) | 400 Nm |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron
quattro
BMW i5
eDrive40 M Sport
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro
Tested 2024
Adult Occupant91%
Child Occupant92%
Vulnerable Road Users81%
Safety Assist80%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport
Tested 2023
Adult Occupant89%
Child Occupant85%
Vulnerable Road Users86%
Safety Assist78%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Audi Q6 Sportback e-tronquattro | BMW i5eDrive40 M Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 160,934 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron
quattro
Owners love
- Owners describe the handling as sharp and agile, feeling smaller to drive than its size suggests.
- Standard equipment is generous even on the Sport, with adaptive cruise, lane keeping, keyless entry and heated seats and steering wheel.
- The deep boot and large front storage area are praised as practical.
Watch out for
- The ride on sports suspension and larger wheels, notably the Edition 1 on 21-inch wheels, is widely described as too firm for the price.
- Several owners find road and wind noise more noticeable than in the older e-tron and Q8 e-tron.
- Early cars had software faults: a digital key that needed a dealer update, missing Wi-Fi connection and infotainment errors.
Owner tips
- Test drive the exact wheel and suspension combination you are considering, as the ride varies a lot across versions.
- A Sport or S line on smaller wheels is the comfort pick according to owners.
BMW i5
eDrive40 M Sport
Owners love
- Owners describe it as superbly refined and stable on the motorway, and more relaxing than a Tesla Model 3.
- It feels like a proper 5 Series to drive, with a composed ride and good balance for its size.
- Owners report better real-world range than they expected: about 220-280 miles in winter and over 300 in summer on the eDrive40.
Watch out for
- Many owners point to cost-cutting inside: unlined door pockets, no sill plates, one wireless charging pad and cheaper stalks than the previous 5 Series.
- It is very long and wide, which makes parking and narrow roads awkward.
- Useful equipment such as adaptive cruise control, the surround cameras and rear heated seats came in expensive option packs.
Owner tips
- Choose 19-inch wheels rather than 20-inch for range and ride.
- Check which option packs a used car has: adaptive cruise and the surround cameras were not standard.
Buying options
Get a quote
Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
BMW i5
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron worth the extra £3,680 over the BMW i5?
The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron costs £3,680 more than the BMW i5. For that premium it adds 34 miles more WLTP range, 65 kW faster peak rapid charging and 35 kW more power. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron or the BMW i5?
The BMW i5 is £3,680 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £160 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the BMW i5 comes out roughly £3,760 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and BMW i5 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 325 miles for the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and 297 miles for the BMW i5 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron goes roughly 28 miles further between charging stops. A rapid charge to 80% takes around 22 minutes in the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and 30 in the BMW i5, so the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron loses less time at each stop. That makes the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron the stronger long-distance car.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron or the BMW i5?
The BMW i5 is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 39 mm narrower than the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 500 mm of total clearance for the BMW i5 and about 461 mm of total clearance for the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron or the BMW i5?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and 84% for the BMW i5. That is close enough that capacity loss should not decide between them. Both use NMC-type cells, so for daily use keep the charge limit near 80% to slow degradation. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
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See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and BMW i5 rank among the best family EVsWhere the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and BMW i5 rank among long-range EVsWhere the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and BMW i5 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and BMW i5 rank among the best city EVsWhere the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and BMW i5 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and BMW i5 rank among EVs with the biggest boots
If neither is quite right
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Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used Audi Q6 e-tron (2024 on): 83 kWh, Performance or quattro, Range & What to Check
A used Audi Q6 e-tron buyer’s guide: the 83 kWh, performance and quattro versions and the Sportback compared, warranty left, the ride and software issues owners report, realistic range, fast charging, what to pay and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used BMW i5 (2023 on): eDrive40 vs M60, Saloon vs Touring, Recalls & What to Pay
A used BMW i5 buyer’s guide: eDrive40 or M60, saloon or Touring, the option packs to check, the braking-system recall, battery warranty left, real-world range, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .