i5 vs Air
Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
Air
Specifications
| i5 | Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW | Lucid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Monthly payment | — | — |
| Fuel type | Electricity | Electricity |
| Fuel economy | 34.5 kWh/100 mi | 26.9 kWh/100 mi |
| CO₂ emissions | — | — |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
Common issues
BMW i5
Common-issue data is not available yet.
Lucid Air
For 2022 through 2025 Lucid Air trims, the original air-conditioning compressor can provide insufficient cabin cooling and generate excessive ambient noise. Lucid introduced a revised compressor for the 2026 model year, sourced from the Gravity SUV, specifically to improve cabin cooling and reduce noise. Owners may notice weak cooling in hot conditions and loud compressor operation inside the cabin, which can lead to passenger discomfort and service visits.
The 2022 Lucid Air has the highest documented defect rate, with 14 active recalls and 23 owner complaints, while the 2023 model has 11 recalls and 24 complaints, according to aggregated NHTSA records. These early model years show recurring faults across electric, drivetrain, software, body, and safety systems, and the 2022 model year is specifically flagged as a year to avoid. Owners may face repeated service visits, system failures requiring diagnostic work, and reduced reliability during normal ownership.
About this comparison
BMW i5 and Lucid Air suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
Both models use Electricity. Fuel economy is i5 — 34.5 kWh/100 mi; Air — 26.9 kWh/100 mi. Air uses less energy in everyday driving.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
Want to compare other models? Return to the full catalog or calculate financing using your own terms.