BMW i5 vs Tesla Model S

Side-by-Side Specs

Charging Speed

The Tesla Model S has the higher published DC charging figure at 250 kW, which is roughly 21% higher than the BMW i5 at 206 kW. In practice, that figure only tells part of the story. The charging curve, battery temperature, and state of charge all affect how quickly your car actually charges.

For the published fast-charge window, the BMW i5 is listed at about 29 minutes, which is 1 minutes quicker than the Tesla Model S at 30 minutes. On a road trip, that difference adds up over multiple stops.

Range and Efficiency

The Tesla Model S has a WLTP rated range of approximately 744 km, which is roughly 164 km more than the BMW i5 at approximately 580 km. WLTP is a standardized lab test. Expect your actual range to be lower, varying with speed, weather, terrain, and driving style.

Efficiency matters more than battery size for daily driving costs. The Tesla Model S consumes 148 Wh/km, compared to 175 Wh/km for the BMW i5. That means the Tesla Model S uses less energy per kilometer, which translates to lower charging costs and fewer charging stops on longer drives.

A more efficient car does not always mean more range. Battery size plays a role too. The Tesla Model S has approximately 95 kWh of useable battery , while the BMW i5 has approximately 81.2 kWh.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Tesla Model S has the higher published DC figure at up to 250 kW, but the BMW i5 has the shorter published charge time at approximately 29 minutes versus approximately 30 minutes. On road trips, published stop time matters more than the headline kW number alone.

For AC charging (home wallboxes, workplace chargers, and public street chargers), the BMW i5 supports up to 11 kW (22 kW optional), compared to up to 11 kW for the Tesla Model S. In Europe, many public chargers are 22 kW AC, so this difference can matter at those locations if the higher AC figure is fitted on the car you buy.

If you mostly charge at home or at work and care more about daily driving costs, the Tesla Model S is the more efficient choice at 148 Wh/km. Lower consumption means lower electricity bills over time.

For maximum range between charges, the Tesla Model S has a WLTP rated range of approximately 744 km, which is roughly 164 km more. Both are capable EVs. The best choice depends on how you charge and how far you drive.