BMW iX1 vs Geely EX5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW iX1 at 5 stars (2022) and the Geely EX5 at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW iX1 and 86% for the Geely EX5, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW iX1, against 8 on the Geely EX5.

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 Geely EX5.

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 iX1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Geely EX5 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW iX1 stands out with power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Geely EX5. The Geely EX5 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Geely EX5 counters with its electric setup making 160kW and 320Nm, paired to its gearbox driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The BMW iX1 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW iX1 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 64.7kWh (BMW iX1) vs 68.4kWh (Geely EX5), giving WLTP ranges of 578km and 475km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (BMW iX1) vs 100kW (Geely EX5).

Space & Comfort

The BMW iX1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 115mm shorter than the Geely EX5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Geely EX5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 490L in the BMW iX1 and 302L in the Geely EX5, giving the BMW iX1 a 188L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Geely EX5's turning circle is 1.1 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.9 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 iX1 costs about $970 a year (20.2 kWh/100km) and electricity for the Geely EX5 about $768 a year (16 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $202 a year less for the Geely EX5.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW iX1) and 7 years / Unlimited (Geely EX5).

Where each one leads

The BMW iX1: more power (230kW against 160kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (490L against 302L).

The Geely EX5: the lower starting price ($41,990 against $77,900), the longer warranty (7 years against 5) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($768 a year against $970).

The Verdict

Geely EX5 scores higher, 72 vs 70

The Geely EX5 scores 72 to the BMW iX1's 70 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 5 of the 9 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: energy efficiency (Geely EX5 ahead by 28 points), performance (BMW iX1 ahead by 15 points), value (Geely EX5 ahead by 14 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Geely EX5 costs about $202 less (16 kWh/100km against 20.2 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 490L in the BMW iX1, 302L in the Geely EX5. Warranty: 5 years on the BMW iX1, 7 on the Geely EX5.

Common questions