BMW iX1 vs Lexus NX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the BMW iX1 and Lexus NX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2022. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW iX1 and 91% for the Lexus NX.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW iX1, against 6 on the Lexus NX.

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 8 in the Lexus NX.

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 Lexus NX gets a 9.8-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW iX1 stands out with Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with head-up display, Mark Levinson 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 Lexus NX offers synthetic leather.

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 Lexus NX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The BMW iX1 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 179kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW iX1 is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW iX1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 160mm shorter than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW iX1 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 490L in the BMW iX1 and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Lexus NX a 30L advantage.

For towing, the Lexus NX leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 300kg 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 Lexus NX's turning circle is 0.5 m tighter, 11.4 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 fuel for the Lexus NX about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW iX1) and 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX). Capped-price servicing: no data (BMW iX1), 4 years (Lexus NX).

Where each one leads

The BMW iX1: more power (230kW against 179kW).

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $77,900), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 490L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,500kg against 1,200kg).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 70

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the BMW iX1's 70 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (BMW iX1 ahead by 19 points), reliability (Lexus NX ahead by 8 points).

Common questions