i5 vs Model S
Brand preference aside, the i5 and the Model S are close competitors, both pitched at midsize luxury car buyers. You won’t find a dramatic mismatch here: the i5 and the Model S are close on nearly every line that counts.
At a glance
- Fuel Economy & Range Model S wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The Model S has 115 mi more electric range
When it comes to electric range, the Model S wins comfortably with 410 mi against 295 mi. More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | i5 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.3 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 116.5 in |
Engine & Performance
The i5 and the Model S differ on engine & performance in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Fuel Economy & Range
Model S leads
On fuel economy & range, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Model S. Point to the Model S for 115 mi more electric range. If you can charge at home, the Model S’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone. The fuel economy & range verdict goes to the Model S.
Electric range
i5: 295 mi Model S: 410 mi Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The differences on space & practicality are small enough to ignore in daily use. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The i5 and the Model S match each other closely in this area. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | i5 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Battery electric |
| Engine | Single rear electric motor | Dual electric motors |
| Total system output | 335 hp | N/A (not specified) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | i5 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 295 mi | 410 mi (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | i5 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | i5 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | i5 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 17 in Biggest touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Not available (Tesla software; no Apple CarPlay / Android Auto) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | i5 | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.3 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 116.5 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Model S if…
- you want more electric-only range (410 mi vs 295 mi)
- you prefer staying with Tesla
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the i5 or the Model S?
On the specs compared here, the Model S makes more sense for most buyers; the i5 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which has better battery life, the i5 or the Model S?
The Model S does better here. It lists 410 mi for electric range, while the i5 lists 295 mi.
Executive Summary
BMW makes the i5, Tesla makes the Model S, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. It’s hard to argue with 115 mi more electric range, which is exactly what the Model S brings.
Fit matters more than scores here. The i5 suits buyers focused on the things a spec sheet can’t capture; the Model S suits those focused on fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Model S.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.