Ford Explorer EV vs BMW i3 (2026)

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thumb image Ford Explorer EV US$ 45,000
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thumb image BMW i3 (2026) US$ 42,000

BASIC INFO

Brand Ford BMW
Model Explorer EV i3 (Next-Gen, 2026)
Vehicle Type Compact/Midsize Electric SUV Electric Hatchback / Compact EV
Trims Standard RWD, Extended Range RWD, AWD Expected Base, xDrive (AWD)
Release Date 2024 (Europe) 2026 (expected global debut late 2025, U.S. launch in 2026)
Status In production (Europe only) Upcoming / Not yet released
Made In Cologne, Germany Germany
Body Type SUV (5-door) 5-door Hatchback
Vehicle Warranty 8 years / 160,000 km (battery & EV components), 3 years / 100,000 km (vehicle) 4 years / 50,000 miles (expected, like other BMW EVs)
Colors 8 years / 160,000 km (battery & EV components), 3 years / 100,000 km (vehicle) Multiple options (to be announced – similar to i4/iX palettes)

PERFORMANCE

Motor Type Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (single or dual motor) Dual electric motors (AWD option) / Single motor RWD base
Horsepower 168 hp (Standard RWD) / 282 hp (Long Range RWD) / 335 hp (AWD) 280–350 hp (est., depending on trim)
Torque 350 Nm (RWD) / ~679 Nm (AWD, est.) 400 lb-ft (est.)
Acceleration 6.4 s (RWD), 5.3 s (AWD) 0–60 mph in ~5.5 seconds (AWD trim)
Top Speed 180 km/h 125 mph (limited)
Range 350 km (Standard RWD), 570–600 km (Long Range RWD), 490–500 km (AWD) [WLTP] 300–350 miles (WLTP), ~280–320 miles (EPA est.)
Drivetrain RWD / AWD RWD (base) / AWD (higher trims)

BATTERY AND CHARGING

Battery Type Lithium-ion (VW MEB platform) Lithium-ion, next-gen pack
Battery Capacity 52 kWh (standard), 77–79 kWh (long range & AWD) 75–80 kWh usable
Power Consumption 15–17 kWh/100 km (WLTP, depending on trim) 16–18 kWh/100 km (est.)
Battery Warranty 8 years / 160,000 km 8 years / 100,000 miles
Home Charging Speed Up to 11 kW AC 11 kW AC (Level 2, ~7–8 hours full charge)
Supercharging Speed Not Tesla, CCS2 DC fast charging 250 kW DC fast charging
DC Fast Charging Speed Up to 185 kW (10–80% in ~25–28 minutes) 10–80% in ~25–30 minutes
Miles of Range added Per Hour 22–25 mi/hr (11 kW AC) 30–35 miles (AC), ~200 miles in 20 min (DCFC)
Charging Time 7–8 hrs (AC, 11 kW) / ~25–28 min (DC fast, 10–80%) 8 hours (AC), ~30 min (DC 10–80%)
Charging Connector Type CCS Type 2 (Europe) CCS (Europe & U.S.)
Home Charging Options Wallbox, public AC, 230V outlet Wallbox, public AC charging
Onboard Charger Power 11 kW 11 kW

DIMENSION AND WEIGHT

Length 4,460 mm 177 in (est.)
Width 1,870 mm 72 in
Height 1,600 mm 61 in
Wheelbase 2,770 mm 108 in
Ground Clearance 180 mm 6 in
Cargo Space 450 L (seats up), ~1,400 L (seats folded) 15–45 cu.ft (rear seats folded)
Curb Weight 1,800–2,100 kg (depending on trim) 4,200 lbs (est.)
No. of Doors 5 5
Seating Capacity 5 5

WHEEL AND TIRES

Wheel Type Alloy Alloy (aero-optimized)
Wheel Size 19" (standard), optional 20" / 21" 18" – 20"
Front Tire 235/55 R19 (base) 235/45 R18 (base)
Rear Tire 235/55 R19 (base) 255/40 R19 (est.)

STEERING AND SUSPENSION

Steering Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) Electric power steering
Transmission Single-speed automatic (EV direct drive) Single-speed automatic
Turning Radius 11.5 m 36 ft
Gear Box 1-speed fixed ratio Single-speed reduction gear
Front Suspension MacPherson strut Adaptive strut-type
Rear Suspension Multi-link independent Multi-link independent

TECHNOLOGY AND FEATURES

Autopilot No (Ford Co-Pilot360 assist suite instead) BMW Driving Assistant Professional (semi-autonomous Level 2)
Navigation System Yes, SYNC Move with Google Maps & OTA updates BMW iDrive 9 with AR navigation
Adaptive Cruise Control Yes, with Stop & Go and Lane Centering Yes (with Stop & Go)
Climate Control Dual-zone automatic climate control Dual-zone automatic
Auxiliary Auto Input USB-C / USB-A ports USB-C, Wireless charging
Over The Air Updates Yes Yes
Keyless Start Yes Yes
Keyless Entry Yes Yes
Heated Steering Wheel Yes Yes
Panoramic Sunroof Yes Optional
Apple Car Play Yes (wireless) Wireless
Android Auto Yes (wireless) Wireless
Touchscreen Yes 14.9" curved display
WiFi & Hotspot Yes Yes
Bluetooth Yes Yes
MP3 Player Yes Yes
No. Of Speakers Up to 10 (B&O premium system) 10–16 Harman Kardon (depending on trim)

SAFETY FEATURES

Braking System Regenerative braking with ABS + EBD Regenerative braking + hydraulic brakes
Front Brakes Ventilated disc Disc
Rear Brakes Disc Disc
Brake Assist Yes Yes
Anti Lock Braking System Yes Yes
Automatic Emergency Braking Yes Yes
Power Door Lock Yes Yes
Child Safety Lock Yes Yes
No. Of Airbags 7 (front, side, curtain, knee) 8
Rear Seat Belt Yes, 3-point with pretensioners Yes
Auto Parking sensors Front & rear sensors + optional automated park assist Yes
Crash Sensor Yes Yes
Ultrasonic Sensors Yes Yes
Multiple Cameras 360° camera system 360° Surround view
Blind Spot Monitoring Yes Yes
Multi-Terrain Monitor No (urban SUV, not off-road focus) No (urban EV focus)
Stability Control Yes Yes (ESC)
Anti Theft Alarm Yes Yes
Power Mirrors Yes Yes
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Yes Yes
Lane Keeping Assist Yes Yes
Lane Departure Warning Yes Yes
Rear Parking Aid Yes Yes

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