BMW iX1 vs Porsche Cayenne Electric

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Porsche Cayenne Electric. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

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

Both come with modern infotainment systems. 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 Porsche Cayenne Electric. The Porsche Cayenne Electric counters with head-up display, ventilated seats, BOSE 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 Porsche Cayenne Electric offers 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 Porsche Cayenne Electric responds with a Electric making 325kW and 835Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The Porsche Cayenne Electric has the clear power advantage at 325kW vs 230kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Porsche Cayenne Electric is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 64.7kWh (BMW iX1) vs 113kWh (Porsche Cayenne Electric), giving WLTP ranges of 578km and 542km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (BMW iX1) vs 390kW (Porsche Cayenne Electric).

Space & Comfort

The BMW iX1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 485mm shorter than the Porsche Cayenne Electric at 4,985mm (3,023mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Porsche Cayenne Electric generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 490L in the BMW iX1 and 781L in the Porsche Cayenne Electric, giving the Porsche Cayenne Electric a 291L advantage.

For towing, the Porsche Cayenne Electric leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 2,300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

The BMW iX1 turns in a 11.9 m circle, kerb to kerb; the Porsche Cayenne Electric's turning circle is not on our record.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BMW iX1 costs about $970 a year (20.2 kWh/100km) and electricity for the Porsche Cayenne Electric about $1,099 a year (22.9 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $129 a year less for the BMW iX1.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW iX1) and 3 years / Unlimited (Porsche Cayenne Electric).

Where each one leads

The BMW iX1: the lower starting price ($77,900 against $167,800), the longer warranty (5 years against 3) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($970 a year against $1,099).

The Porsche Cayenne Electric: more power (325kW against 230kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (781L against 490L) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 1,200kg).

The Verdict

BMW iX1 scores higher, 70 vs 60

The BMW iX1 scores 70 to the Porsche Cayenne Electric's 60 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 10 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (BMW iX1 ahead by 30 points), safety (BMW iX1 ahead by 23 points), practicality (Porsche Cayenne Electric ahead by 21 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BMW iX1 costs about $129 less (20.2 kWh/100km against 22.9 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 490L in the BMW iX1, 781L in the Porsche Cayenne Electric. Warranty: 5 years on the BMW iX1, 3 on the Porsche Cayenne Electric.

Common questions