BMW X1 vs GAC Aion V
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Level at 75: here's what splits them
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 29 Oct 2026
BMW X1
19 of 27 standard · no option data · 8 no dataFrom
$61,800
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Petrol
- Engine
- Petrol
- Power
- 115kW
- Economy
- 6.5 L/100kmWLTP test cycle, not directly comparable with ADR 81/02 figures
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2022
- Boot (seats up)
- 540L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
GAC Aion V
20 of 27 standard · no option data · 7 no dataFrom
$42,590
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 150kW
- Energy use
- 17 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2025
- Boot (seats up)
- 427L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
$61,800RRP
- no option data for this car
$42,590RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Price and cost per week
BMW X1 sDrive18i
$61,800
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 24 June 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $263 a week in repayments ($61,800 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
GAC Aion V Premium
$42,590
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 29 Oct 2026
$46,180 drive-away in VIC, as published by GAC Australia
About $190 a week in repayments ($46,180 drive-away; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The GAC Aion V starts $19,210 lower on RRP.
The GAC Aion V currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The BMW X1 does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
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Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$190/wk(≈$825/mo)
Estimate on the GAC Aion V at $46,180 drive-away; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the GAC Aion VDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP lists the BMW X1 at 5 stars (2022) and the GAC Aion V at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW X1 and 88% for the GAC Aion V, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the GAC Aion V, against 5 on the BMW X1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X1 and 7 in the GAC Aion V.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 5 of 10 key systems on the BMW X1 and 9 on the GAC Aion V.
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Recalls on our record
BMW X1
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006090 · published 2 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, a component of the brake booster system may have been incorrectly welded and could break.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006063 · published 30 Aug 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, liquid may enter the electrical water pump connectors.Year range on the notice: 2011 - 2018
- 5 more on the model page.
GAC Aion V
None open 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.
How long to charge
75.3kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 180kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 180kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the GAC Aion V gets a 14.6-inch display and 8.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X1 stands out with head-up display and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the GAC Aion V. The GAC Aion V counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW X1 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the GAC Aion V offers pvc.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
The BMW X1 uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The GAC Aion V responds with a Electric making 150kW and 210Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The GAC Aion V has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 105mm shorter than the GAC Aion V at 4,605mm (2,775mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC Aion V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 540L in the BMW X1 and 427L in the GAC Aion V, giving the BMW X1 a 113L advantage.
0Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the GAC Aion V's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 11.2 m against 11.3 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.
Cost to own
At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X1 costs about $1,853 a year (6.5 L/100km) and electricity for the GAC Aion V about $816 a year (17 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.
Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X1) and 8 years / Unlimited (GAC Aion V).
Where each one leads
The BMW X1: the bigger boot with the seats up (540L against 427L).
The GAC Aion V: the lower starting price ($42,590 against $61,800), more power (150kW against 115kW) and the longer warranty (8 years against 5).
The Verdict
Level at 75: here's what splits them
The BMW X1 and GAC Aion V are level on the CarSorted Score at 75 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: practicality (BMW X1 ahead by 21 points), value (GAC Aion V ahead by 12 points). Boot space with the seats up: 540L in the BMW X1, 427L in the GAC Aion V. Warranty: 5 years on the BMW X1, 8 on the GAC Aion V.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$190/wk(≈$825/mo)
Estimate on the GAC Aion V at $46,180 drive-away; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the GAC Aion VDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X1 and GAC Aion V?
The GAC Aion V is the cheapest at $42,590 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X1 by $19,210.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
BMW X1 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2022) and GAC Aion V holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X1 has the largest boot at 540L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,700kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GAC Aion V has the longest warranty at 8 years / unlimited km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GAC Aion V makes the most power at 150kW.
Track the BMW X1 & GAC Aion V
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How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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