Nissan LEAF vs. BMW i3 Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: Nissan LEAF vs. BMW i3

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Model Year	2018	2018	2018	2017
Model	LEAF	LEAF	LEAF	i3
Trim	S	SV	SL	Base
Engines (hide)
Electric 147 hp 236 lb-ft
Electric 168 hp 184 lb-ft
Electric + Gas 168 hp 184 lb-ft
Transmissions (hide)
1-speed automatic
Drivetrains (hide)
FWD
RWD
Tires (hide)
205/55R16 tires
215/50VR17 tires
155/70QR19 tires
155/60R20 tires
155/70R19 tires
175/60R19 tires
175/55R20 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Unbranded, 4 speakers
Unbranded, 6 speakers
Bose, 7 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 100W, 4 speakers
Harman/Kardon, 360W, 12 speakers
Accessories (hide)
Adaptive cruise controlAutomatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Minimum speed around 30 mph. Replaces regular cruise control, and includes its value.   [?]
Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Minimum speed around 30 mph. Replaces regular cruise control, and includes its value.
Adaptive cruise control, all-speedAutomatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Can bring vehicle to a complete stop then accelerate back up to set speed. Replaces regular adaptive cruise control, and includes its value.   [?]
Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Can bring vehicle to a complete stop then accelerate back up to set speed. Replaces regular adaptive cruise control, and includes its value.
Cruise control
First-aid kit
Heated steering wheel
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Proximity keyEnter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.   [?]
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.
Remote appCheck on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee.   [?]
Check on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee.
Remote climate controlCan turn on air conditioning system remotely using the key fob, to cool down the car before getting into it. Some also enable this with heat.   [?]
Can turn on air conditioning system remotely using the key fob, to cool down the car before getting into it. Some also enable this with heat.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Semi-automated parking systemAutomatically steers the vehicle into a parking space. Driver operates the transmission, and sometimes also the brake and accelerator.   [?]
Automatically steers the vehicle into a parking space. Driver operates the transmission, and sometimes also the brake and accelerator.
Tilt steering wheel, manual
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual
Universal garage door openerHomelink.   [?]
Homelink.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Around view camerasSmall external cameras provide a top-down view all around the vehicle, to reduce blind spots while parking.   [?]
Small external cameras provide a top-down view all around the vehicle, to reduce blind spots while parking.
Automatic braking, high-speed or partialIf collision detection system senses imminent collision, applies moderate braking.   [?]
If collision detection system senses imminent collision, applies moderate braking.
Automatic braking, low-speedAutomatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions.   [?]
Automatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions.
Blind spot collision preventionSelectively applies the brakes to guide vehicle back into the original lane when detects that a lane change will cause a collision with a vehicle in the blind spot.   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to guide vehicle back into the original lane when detects that a lane change will cause a collision with a vehicle in the blind spot.
Blind spot warning systemMirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot.   [?]
Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Cross-traffic warning, rearWarns of traffic coming from either direction when vehicle is in reverse, to prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces.   [?]
Warns of traffic coming from either direction when vehicle is in reverse, to prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces.
Driver drowsiness monitorWarns when driver is drowsy and needs to pull over.   [?]
Warns when driver is drowsy and needs to pull over.
Electronic differential lockApplies the brakes to a slipping drive wheel to transfer torque to the other side, simulating the effect of a limited-slip differential. We haven't identified all applications, often implied by traction control.   [?]
Applies the brakes to a slipping drive wheel to transfer torque to the other side, simulating the effect of a limited-slip differential. We haven't identified all applications, often implied by traction control.
Forward collision warningAlerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly.   [?]
Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Hill start assistApplies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle.   [?]
Applies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle.
Lane departure warningAlerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.   [?]
Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.
Lane keeping assistProactively helps keep the car centered inside a detected lane via steering assistance.   [?]
Proactively helps keep the car centered inside a detected lane via steering assistance.
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Pedestrian detectionWarns driver of pedestrians in path of car.   [?]
Warns driver of pedestrians in path of car.
Radar- or camera-based collision preparation systemPrepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat   [?]
Prepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat
Rearview cameraRearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.   [?]
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Cargo Management (hide)
Cargo cover
Cargo mat
Cargo net
Cargo organizerAbove floor system for organizing cargo.   [?]
Above floor system for organizing cargo.
Console with shifter
Console without shifter
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic air recirculationAutomatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.   [?]
Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Heat pumpAugments resistive electric heater. A much more efficient source of heat when the outside air is above freezing.   [?]
Augments resistive electric heater. A much more efficient source of heat when the outside air is above freezing.
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rain-sensing wipersWipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.   [?]
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.
Rear defrost
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.   [?]
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Rear wiper
Residual heatProvides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.   [?]
Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.
Variable intermittent wipersTime between wipes can be precisely adjusted.   [?]
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted.
Engine / Motor (hide)
"B" drive mode (optional)More aggressive regenerative braking when lift off the accelerator.   [?]
More aggressive regenerative braking when lift off the accelerator.
22 kWh battery pack
33 kWh battery pack
40 kWh battery pack
6.6 kW onboard chargerDouble level charger, faster charge times with 220V source.    [?]
Double level charger, faster charge times with 220V source.
7.2 kW onboard chargerDouble level charger, faster charge times with 220V source.    [?]
Double level charger, faster charge times with 220V source.
Automatic start / stopAutomatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system.   [?]
Automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system.
DC quick-charging capabilityAllows for quick charging to 80 percent capacity at 440V charging stations. Using such chargers frequently might degrade the battery.   [?]
Allows for quick charging to 80 percent capacity at 440V charging stations. Using such chargers frequently might degrade the battery.
Exterior (hide)
Carbon fiber body structureStrong and light, but could be very expensive to repair.   [?]
Strong and light, but could be very expensive to repair.
Metallic paint (extra cost)
Mud guardsFlaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks.   [?]
Flaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks.
Paint, special green
Paint, special red
Paint, special white
Rear spoilerCan be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.   [?]
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Sunroof
Underbody aerodynamic aidsUnderbody shields to improve fuel economy. (Optional, no standard value because might or might not be present on other models.)   [?]
Underbody shields to improve fuel economy. (Optional, no standard value because might or might not be present on other models.)
Gas Guzzler Tax (hide)
-7500
Infotainment (hide)
App supportTouchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years.    [?]
Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years.
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.   [?]
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Bluetooth audio streamingUses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone.   [?]
Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone.
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.   [?]
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD player
Handwriting recognitionTouchpad that interprets handwritten inputs.   [?]
Touchpad that interprets handwritten inputs.
HD radioHigh-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.   [?]
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.
In-vehicle InternetConnects car to the Internet to update systems, download information, and/or browse. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee.   [?]
Connects car to the Internet to update systems, download information, and/or browse. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee.
Media driveBuilt-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.   [?]
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
S Voice supportAccess S Voice features of a Samsung Galaxy phone (III and up) using the car's voice controls.   [?]
Access S Voice features of a Samsung Galaxy phone (III and up) using the car's voice controls.
Satellite radioXM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.   [?]
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.
Satellite radio - one year subscriptionXM or Sirius with one-year subscription.   [?]
XM or Sirius with one-year subscription.
Siri Eyes Free supportActivate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher.    [?]
Activate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher.
Smartphone integrationIn BMWs includes baseplate in center console that provides a connection to an external antenna, but that requires an additional adapter.   [?]
In BMWs includes baseplate in center console that provides a connection to an external antenna, but that requires an additional adapter.
SMS text-to-speech readerConverts text messages to speech.   [?]
Converts text messages to speech.
Surround sound
Telematics service, such as OnStarIn-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.   [?]
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.
Text dictationDictate text for messages and/or emails. Annual fee.   [?]
Dictate text for messages and/or emails. Annual fee.
Traffic + travel informationInformation about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
Traffic informationInformation about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
USB portOften permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.   [?]
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.
Voice control for external devicesPhone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported.   [?]
Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Auto-dimming driver-side mirrorDriver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming headlightsHigh beams automatically turned on and off.   [?]
High beams automatically turned on and off.
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirrorPassenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
Detailed driving style feedbackDriving style displayed and/or evaluated with a grade, with changes in display graphics, or with a graph of performance over time.   [?]
Driving style displayed and/or evaluated with a grade, with changes in display graphics, or with a graph of performance over time.
Digital instruments
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.   [?]
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Large energy flow and fuel economy displayStandard or optional in some hybrid vehicles. Fancy display of power flows, enhanced trip computer information.   [?]
Standard or optional in some hybrid vehicles. Fancy display of power flows, enhanced trip computer information.
LED headlightsLED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types.   [?]
LED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types.
LED headlights, single projector or low beam only
LED tail lightsOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Mirror tilt-down in reverseOne or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.   [?]
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.
Outside temperature display
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.   [?]
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
Rear reading lights
Steering-linked headlightsHeadlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.   [?]
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Visor mirror, driver
Visor mirror, passenger
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Second-row 2-section 2-person split bench
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
Center armrest(s), front row
Door sill trim plates
Floor mats
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Manual height adjuster, driver seat
Manual height adjuster, passenger seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power lumbar adjuster, driver seatPower-adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Power-adjustable lower back support.
Power recliner, driver seat
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Upholstered instrument panel, leather
Wood trimReal wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.   [?]
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
Alloy wheels

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