BMW iX3 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9
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 iX3 starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 9 opens at $119,750. That makes the BMW iX3 the more affordable entry point by $9,850.
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 $120,890 and $131,725 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
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
108.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 400kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 400kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
110.3kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 350kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.5kW AC, 350kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, V2L, Bose audio and ambient lighting that the BMW iX3 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW iX3 gets artificial leather upholstery while the Hyundai IONIQ 9 offers nappa leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW iX3 and 3-zone in the Hyundai IONIQ 9.
Drivetrain
The BMW iX3 uses a Electric producing 345kW and 645Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 counters with its electric setup making 314kW and 700Nm, paired to a single-speed reduction gear driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds.
The BMW iX3 has the clear power advantage at 345kW vs 314kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX3 is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 108.7kWh (BMW iX3) vs 110.3kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 9). DC fast charging peaks at 400kW (BMW iX3) vs 350kW (Hyundai IONIQ 9).
Space & Comfort
The BMW iX3 measures 4,782mm long on a 2,897mm wheelbase, 278mm shorter than the Hyundai IONIQ 9 at 5,060mm (3,130mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the BMW iX3 and 338L in the Hyundai IONIQ 9, giving the BMW iX3 a 182L advantage. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 seats 7 vs 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m diameter
Large
Based on 12.5m 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 iX3) vs 5 years (Hyundai IONIQ 9). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW iX3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 9 if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW iX3 takes 6 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BMW iX3 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 iX3 and Hyundai IONIQ 9?
The BMW iX3 is the cheapest at $109,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai IONIQ 9 by $9,850.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BMW iX3 has the most range at 805km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW iX3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 400kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai IONIQ 9 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW iX3 has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX3 makes the most power at 345kW. The BMW iX3 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.9s.
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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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