BMW iX vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the BMW iX and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2021. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the BMW iX and 88% for the Subaru Outback.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW iX, against 6 on the Subaru Outback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BMW iX features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW iX stands out with head-up display, wireless charging and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW iX gets vernasca leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW iX and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

Drivetrain

The BMW iX uses a Electric producing 300kW and 700Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds.

The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The BMW iX has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW iX measures 4,965mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 85mm longer than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW iX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 500L in the BMW iX and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 30L advantage.

For towing, the BMW iX leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Outback's turning circle is 1.7 m tighter, 11.1 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BMW iX costs about $960 a year (20 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW iX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (BMW iX), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The BMW iX: more power (300kW against 137kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $142,900) and the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 500L).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 69

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the BMW iX's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (BMW iX ahead by 46 points), value (Subaru Outback ahead by 26 points), safety (Subaru Outback ahead by 10 points).

Common questions