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EV Financing Options: Is It Better to Lease or Buy an Electric Car?

2024 BMW i4 Charging
 

Electric vehicles are becoming a common sight on the Ontario streets, and as more EVs make their way to dealer lots, more drivers are considering whether a new electric model is right for them. But, as with all new cars, drivers will need to decide whether they plan to lease or buy their future EV. To help, BMW of Murrieta’s finance team has broken down the benefits of each so you can decide whether it’s better to lease or buy an electric car for your Corona drives! Learn everything you need about EV financing options with the experts at BMW of Murrieta.

 

 


Buy vs. Lease: EV Leasing

Before tackling the pros and cons of leasing an electric car, it’s important to know how leasing works. When Riverside drivers choose to lease an EV, they essentially rent the car for the period listed on the leasing contract. Typical leases tend to last between two and five years and only cost as much as the depreciation on the vehicle, leading to lower monthly payments and fewer upfront costs than purchasing a vehicle outright. While leasing does have a few drawbacks– mileage limits and lack of customization to name a couple– financial experts have been proponents of EV leasing for a few reasons: 

  • New Technology: Electric powertrains are still relatively new to the automotive industry and have no long-term testing or data for reliability and durability. As such, leasing an electric vehicle for a few years with the intention of returning it ensures you don’t get stuck with a vehicle that becomes obsolete or undrivable after a certain number of years.
  • Evolving Expectations: Ten years ago, EVs received far less range than current models, some barely breaking into the triple digits. Now, EVs like the BMW i4 can reach more than 300 miles on a full charge. By leasing, you avoid sinking money into a vehicle that could be technologically behind its competitors by the time you need to sell it.

Buy vs. Lease: EV Financing

Buying, also known as financing, has long been the standard for those looking to make a long-term investment in their vehicle. By choosing to buy, drivers often will take out a loan for the full amount of the new car and pay back the loan provider month-to-month. This allows drivers the freedom to drive, personalize, and sell their vehicle for a new one, all options that leasees don’t have once locked into a contract. That said, electric vehicles put a wrinkle into the benefits of financing. Electric vehicles tend to be more expensive than traditional gas-powered cars, leading to higher down payments and monthly loan payments. Still, there are a few reasons drivers may want to buy instead of lease an EV:

  • Proven Track Records: EVs have been on the market for long enough that several manufacturers have records of creating dependable electric vehicles. For example, BMW debuted its first modern electric car, the BMW i3, in 2013, giving drivers 10 years of assurance that the EV they buy will enjoy a long lifespan.
  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Electric models are at the forefront of innovation, and not just for the electric powertrains. Many automotive manufacturers are placing their most advanced infotainment, comfort, and convenience technology into their electric vehicles, making them an enticing buy for those who love having the latest gadgets.

Explore EV Financing Options at BMW of Murrieta!

So, is it better to lease or buy an electric car? The answer depends on your unique financial situation and the electric model you’re interested in! Regardless of which appeals to you more, you’ll find a wealth of EV financing options for a luxury, reliable electric model when you shop at BMW of Murrieta. Have any questions about the different reasons to buy vs. lease an EV? Contact us, and our team will be happy to walk you through all your options at our Murrieta showroom!

 

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Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer:

$85.00 Dealer Document Processing Charge included in advertised price. All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees, smog certificate of compliance or noncompliance, emission testing charge and electronic filing fee. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer. All vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location. Transportation charges may apply. Please contact the dealership for more specific information. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.

Additional Disclaimers:

Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details. 

Loyalty Offers available to qualified customers who have leased or financed a BMW model through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC in the last 12 months. In order to qualify for a BMW Loyalty Offer, loyal current or former BMW owners or lessees must show proof of ownership or BMW Financial Services account number and qualify for credit approval. Available Loyalty Offer of $5,000 off MSRP on select new 2026 740i xDrive Sedan models (consists of $4,000 BMW of North America, LLC contribution plus $1,000 loyalty contribution from your BMW Center). Must take delivery by June 30, 2026. Availability of Loyalty Offers are subject to dealer participation. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Valid on 2026 X3 30 xDrive models. Through June 30, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through June 30, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Valid on 2026 330i Sedan models. Through June 30, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through June 30, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. Lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Dealer sets actual price. Lease offer available on new 2026 BMW 330i Sedan models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Monthly lease payments of $479 per month for 39 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $46,685 (MSRP of $53,900, including destination and handling fee of $1,350, less $3,555 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $2,660 and Lease Credit of $1,000). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $3,555 capitalized cost reduction, $479 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 32,500 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and dealer fees are additional fees due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $30,723, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through June 30, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Dealer sets actual price. Lease offer available on new 2026 BMW X1 xDrive28i models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Monthly lease payments of $499 per month for 39 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $41,405 (MSRP of $47,200, including destination and handling fee of $1,350, less $2,905 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $1,890 and Lease Credit of $1,000). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $2,905 capitalized cost reduction, $499 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 32,500 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and dealer fees are additional fees due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $26,432, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through June 30, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. **Valid on 2026 X1 xDrive28i models. Through June 30, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through June 30, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Dealer sets actual price. Lease offer available on new 2026 BMW iX xDrive60 models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Monthly lease payments of $799 per month for 36 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $72,555 (MSRP of $89,950, including destination and handling fee of $1,450, less $5,375 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $4,520 and Lease Credit of $7,500). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $5,375 capitalized cost reduction, $799 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.30/mile over 30,000 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and dealer fees are additional fees due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $47,674, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through June 01, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Dealer sets actual price. Lease offer available on new 2026 BMW X5 xDrive40i models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Monthly lease payments of $869 per month for 39 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $66,100 (MSRP of $76,250, including destination and handling fee of $1,450, less $5,135 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $3,015 and Lease Credit of $2,000). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $5,135 capitalized cost reduction, $869 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 32,500 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and dealer fees are additional fees due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $39,650, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through June 30, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. **Valid on 2026 X5 xDrive40i models. Through June 30, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through June 30, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. Available Purchase Credit of $1,000 off MSRP for well qualified buyers.

Valid on 2026 X7 xDrive40i models. Through June 30, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through June 30, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. Lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Dealer sets actual price. Lease offer available on new 2026 BMW X7 xDrive40i models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Monthly lease payments of $989 per month for 39 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $81,105 (MSRP of $93,200, including destination and handling fee of $1,550, less $6,375 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $3,720, Lease Credit of $1,000, and National Credit of $1,000). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $6,375 capitalized cost reduction, $989 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.30/mile over 32,500 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and dealer fees are additional fees due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $49,396, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through June 30, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

From 1.99% APR up to 72 months at $14.75 per month per $1,000 financed applies to all 2022–2024 BMW Certified Pre-Owned iX models. No down payment is required. Offer valid through 06/30/2026. Offer available from participating BMW Dealers to eligible, qualified customers with excellent credit history who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. Not all customers will qualify for the lowest rate. Other rates and terms available. All offers subject to vehicle availability. Delayed first payment is not available in PA or ME. Interest will accrue during 90-day period to first payment and will be due prior to maturity of the contract. This offer is available on all model-year 2021-2024 CPO BMW models with 36-to-72-month retail contracts financed through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, excluding Select contracts. To be eligible, qualified customers must have excellent credit history and meet BMW Financial Services’ credit requirements. Not all customers will qualify. Other rates and terms available. All offers subject to vehicle availability. Offer valid through 06/30/2026.

Lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Dealer sets actual price. Lease offer available on new 2026 BMW i4 eDrive40 models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Monthly lease payments of $499 per month for 36 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $50,295 (MSRP of $60,700, including destination and handling fee of $1,350, less $3,355 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $3,300 and Lease Credit of $3,750). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $3,355 capitalized cost reduction, $499 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 30,000 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and dealer fees are additional fees due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $33,385, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through June 30, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

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