BMW iX1 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5
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.
Price Breakdown
The BMW iX1 starts from $78,900 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 opens at $71,990. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the more affordable entry point by $6,910.
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 $86,790 and $79,189 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW iX1 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW iX1 and 97% for the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in 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 Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW iX1 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BMW iX1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW iX1 stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW iX1 uses a Electric producing 150kW and 247Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the clear power advantage at 168kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX1 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 64.7kWh (BMW iX1) vs 77.4kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5), giving WLTP ranges of 578km and 433km. DC fast charging peaks at 200kW (BMW iX1) vs 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5).
Space & Comfort
The BMW iX1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 135mm shorter than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 4,635mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the BMW iX1 and 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 5 a 27L advantage.
For towing, the BMW iX1 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.6m
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 (Hyundai IONIQ 5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW iX1 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes 6 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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