BMW X1 vs Geely EX5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW X1 at 5 stars (2022) and the Geely EX5 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 86% for the Geely EX5, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Geely EX5, 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 Geely EX5.

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

The BMW X1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Geely EX5 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X1 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Geely EX5. The Geely EX5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Geely EX5 counters with its electric setup making 160kW and 320Nm, paired to its gearbox driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The Geely EX5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 115kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Geely EX5 is 2.1s quicker. 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, 115mm shorter than the Geely EX5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Geely EX5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 540L in the BMW X1 and 302L in the Geely EX5, giving the BMW X1 a 238L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Geely EX5's turning circle is 0.5 m tighter, 10.8 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 Geely EX5 about $768 a year (16 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X1) and 7 years / Unlimited (Geely EX5).

Where each one leads

The BMW X1: the bigger boot with the seats up (540L against 302L).

The Geely EX5: the lower starting price ($41,990 against $61,800), more power (160kW against 115kW) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Verdict

BMW X1 scores higher, 75 vs 72

The BMW X1 scores 75 to the Geely EX5's 72 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 6 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: practicality (BMW X1 ahead by 19 points), performance (Geely EX5 ahead by 12 points), value (Geely EX5 ahead by 10 points). Boot space with the seats up: 540L in the BMW X1, 302L in the Geely EX5. Warranty: 5 years on the BMW X1, 7 on the Geely EX5.

Common questions