USA EV Comparison: BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah vs Nissan Leaf 40 kWh
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General Info
Since both vehicles have been discontinued, they are now only available on the used car market. You can get the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) for as low as $14174, while the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) begins at $9999.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2018-2022 | 2022-2025 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | Japan, UK, USA |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $14174 | $9999 |
| GCC Score | 5.3 | 4.8 |
Range and Efficiency
Even though the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) has a larger battery, the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) higher energy efficiency results in a longer real-world driving range.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 153 mi | 149 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 191 mi | 177 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 158 mi | 148 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 42.2 kWh | 40 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 37.9 kWh | 39 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 24 kWh/100 mi | 26.4 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.17 mi/kWh | 3.79 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 6.1 | 5.5 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
Both vehicles support DC fast charging with a maximum power of 50 kW.
The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11 kW, whereas the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) is limited to 6.6 kW.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 11 kW | 6.6 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 50 kW | 50 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | CHAdeMO Type 1 (J1772) |
| Charging Score | 5.2 | 3.3 |
Performance
The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) is rear-wheel drive, while the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) offers a front-wheel drive system.
The BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | RWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 135 kW | 110 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 181 hp | 148 hp |
| Motor Torque | 184 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2 s | 7.7 s |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 90 mph |
| Performance Score | 3.3 | 3.1 |
Dimensions
The Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) has a longer body, while the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) stands taller, offering a more elevated ride. Their widths are almost identical, so both offer a similar amount of shoulder room.
The Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 157.9 in | 176.4 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 80.3 in | 79.9 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 69.9 in | 70.5 in |
| Height | 62.9 in | 61.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 106.3 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Nissan Leaf 40 kWh (2022-2025) features a larger trunk, but the BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah (2018-2022) offers greater maximum cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded.
Neither car is equipped with a frunk (front trunk).
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | BMW i3 BEV 120 Ah | Nissan Leaf 40 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 2972 lb | 3509 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 9.2 ft3 | 23.6 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 38.8 ft3 | 30 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4.3 | 4.5 |