BMW iX1 vs Mercedes-Benz EQB

The BMW iX1 starts from $77,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQB 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 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.

Both the BMW iX1 and Mercedes-Benz EQB hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW iX1 and 95% for the Mercedes-Benz EQB.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

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 Mercedes-Benz EQB.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The BMW iX1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz EQB gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW iX1 stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz EQB. The Mercedes-Benz EQB counters with 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 Mercedes-Benz EQB offers synthetic leather.

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 Mercedes-Benz EQB responds with a Electric making 140kW and 385Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.

The BMW iX1 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX1 is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 64.7kWh (BMW iX1) vs 70.5kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQB), giving WLTP ranges of 578km and 465km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (BMW iX1) vs 100kW (Mercedes-Benz EQB).

The BMW iX1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 184mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz EQB at 4,684mm (2,829mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQB generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 490L in the BMW iX1 and 495L in the Mercedes-Benz EQB, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQB a 5L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz EQB seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQB leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

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 (Mercedes-Benz EQB). Both match on warranty length.