BMW iX1 vs Audi Q4 e-tron
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Track the BMW iX1 & Audi Q4 e-tron
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Price Breakdown
The BMW iX1 starts from $77,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q4 e-tron opens at $84,900. That makes the BMW iX1 the more affordable entry point by $7,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $85,690 and $93,390 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW iX1 and Audi Q4 e-tron hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW iX1 and 93% for the Audi Q4 e-tron.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q4 e-tron, against 6 on the BMW iX1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW iX1 and 7 in the Audi Q4 e-tron.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
64.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 130kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 130kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
77kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 175kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 175kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW iX1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi Q4 e-tron gets a 11.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW iX1 stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Audi Q4 e-tron. The Audi Q4 e-tron counters with Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW iX1 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Audi Q4 e-tron offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW iX1 and 3-zone in the Audi Q4 e-tron.
Drivetrain
The BMW iX1 uses a Electric producing 230kW and 494Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The Audi Q4 e-tron responds with a Electric making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a single-speed (two-stage planetary) driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The BMW iX1 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 210kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW iX1 is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 64.7kWh (BMW iX1) vs 82kWh (Audi Q4 e-tron), giving WLTP ranges of 578km and 470km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (BMW iX1) vs 175kW (Audi Q4 e-tron).
Space & Comfort
The BMW iX1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 88mm shorter than the Audi Q4 e-tron at 4,588mm (2,764mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q4 e-tron generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 490L in the BMW iX1 and 520L in the Audi Q4 e-tron, giving the Audi Q4 e-tron a 30L advantage.
For towing, the BMW iX1 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.9m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX1) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q4 e-tron). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW iX1 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi Q4 e-tron if: You need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW iX1 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW iX1 and Audi Q4 e-tron?
The BMW iX1 is the cheapest at $77,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q4 e-tron by $7,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Audi Q4 e-tron has the most range at 524km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Audi Q4 e-tron accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: BMW iX1 and Audi Q4 e-tron all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q4 e-tron has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW iX1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX1 makes the most power at 230kW. The BMW iX1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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