BMW iX1 vs MG U9 EV
Two electric cars 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.
BMW iX1
From $77,900
SUV
Electric
Electric
230kW
—
5★ ANCAP
490L
MG U9 EV
$78,990 when new
RRP when new — this model is no longer sold new in Australia
Ute
Electric
Electric Motor
—
—
ANCAP: no data
—
MG U9 EV: not on sale yet, so MG hasn't published length, width, height, wheelbase and kerb weight, plus 8 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW iX1 starts from $77,900 before on-road costs, while the MG U9 EV opens at $78,990. That makes the BMW iX1 the more affordable entry point by $1,090.
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 $86,889 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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
102.2kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). 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 MG U9 EV gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW iX1 stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the MG U9 EV. The MG U9 EV counters with V2L and JBL 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 MG U9 EV offers leather.
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
For towing, the MG U9 EV leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 2,300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m diameter
Average
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.7 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW iX1 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG U9 EV if: You need stronger towing, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG U9 EV takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. 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 MG U9 EV?
The BMW iX1 is the cheapest at $77,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG U9 EV by $1,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The MG U9 EV has the most range at 430km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW iX1 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 130kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
BMW iX1 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for MG U9 EV, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The MG U9 EV has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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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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