BMW iX1 vs Lexus RZ
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.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW iX1 starts from $77,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RZ opens at $84,500. That makes the BMW iX1 the more affordable entry point by $6,600.
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 $92,950 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 Lexus RZ hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW iX1 and 87% for the Lexus RZ.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW iX1 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Lexus RZ.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
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
74.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW 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 Lexus RZ gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW iX1 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Lexus RZ. The Lexus RZ counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, V2L and Mark Levinson audio. 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 RZ 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 RZ responds with a Electric Motor making 280kW and 538Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.
The Lexus RZ has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 230kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RZ is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 64.7kWh (BMW iX1) vs 74.7kWh (Lexus RZ), giving WLTP ranges of 578km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (BMW iX1) vs 150kW (Lexus RZ).
Space & Comfort
The BMW iX1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 305mm shorter than the Lexus RZ at 4,805mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus RZ generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 490L in the BMW iX1 and 522L in the Lexus RZ, giving the Lexus RZ a 32L advantage.
For towing, the BMW iX1 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 450kg 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
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 (Lexus RZ). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW iX1 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RZ if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus RZ takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Lexus RZ has a clear edge. 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 Lexus RZ?
The BMW iX1 is the cheapest at $77,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RZ by $6,600.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Lexus RZ has the most range at 460km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Lexus RZ accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW iX1 and Lexus RZ all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus RZ has the largest boot at 522L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW iX1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus RZ makes the most power at 280kW. The Lexus RZ is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
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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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