BMW X1 vs MG MG4 Urban
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
MG MG4 Urban scores higher, 76 vs 75
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 20 Sep 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.
MG MG4 Urban
18 of 27 standard · no option data · 1 not offered · 8 no dataFrom
$32,990
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- Hatchback
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 118kW
- Energy use
- 16.1 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2025
- Boot (seats up)
- 382L
Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 75
MG Australia offer: $32,990 drive-away (state not stated), ends 31 Dec 2026. Terms
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Manufacturer offer
Ends 31 Dec 2026
Manufacturer's terms: While stocks last.
Offer from MG Australia, checked 15 Nov 2026
T&Cs apply, as the manufacturer prints them. Eligibility, stock and build limits vary, so confirm the offer with the dealer.
MG MG4 Urban: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, transmission, turning circle and braked towing.
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.
$61,800RRP
- no option data for this car
$32,990RRP
- cannot be matched: Push-Button Start not offered
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.
MG MG4 Urban Essence 54
$32,990
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 20 Sept 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
No lowest cost is named: these totals leave out different parts (2026 BMW X1 sDrive18i excludes servicing and insurance; 2026 MG4 Urban Essence 54 excludes insurance).
Every column on the same basis: 15,000 km a year (fixed for every comparison) in VIC, repayment assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Each car's fuel or charging price is in its own breakdown. Estimate only, not a quote or an offer of credit.
No lowest cost is named: these totals leave out different parts (2026 BMW X1 sDrive18i excludes servicing and insurance; 2026 MG4 Urban Essence 54 excludes insurance).
Cash outlay over 5 years: the deposit, the repayments and the running costs. Excludes resale value. Every column on the same basis: 15,000 km a year in VIC, repayment assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Estimate only, not a quote or an offer of credit.
Standard features per $10,000: not ranked, too few features are known for both cars. On the rated figures, the MG MG4 Urban leads on price per kw: $537 per kW on RRP for the BMW X1; $280 per kW on RRP for the MG MG4 Urban. On the rated figures, the MG MG4 Urban leads on price per litre of boot: $114 per litre of boot on RRP for the BMW X1; $86 per litre of boot on RRP for the MG MG4 Urban. These ratios are not part of the CarSorted Score.
The MG MG4 Urban starts $28,810 lower on RRP.
The MG MG4 Urban 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 ≈$129/wk(≈$561/mo)
Estimate on the MG MG4 Urban at $32,990 RRP, before on-road costs; 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 MG MG4 UrbanDriva 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 MG MG4 Urban 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 87% for the MG MG4 Urban, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the MG MG4 Urban, 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 MG MG4 Urban.
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 7 on the MG MG4 Urban.
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.
MG MG4 Urban
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 and range
The rated figures side by side: electric range and fuel use with the battery depleted for a plug-in hybrid or range extender, the km each battery-electric car adds overnight on its own onboard charger, and the DC time in the window each document prints.
| 2026 BMW X1 sDrive18i | 2026 MG4 Urban Essence 54 | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Petrol or diesel | Battery electric |
| Added overnight, 10A power point (2.4 kW) | Not applicable | 149 km in 10 h |
| Added overnight, 7.4 kW wallbox | Not applicable | 410 km in 10 hCapped: this car accepts 6.6 kW AC |
| DC fast charge, as printed | Not applicable | No data |
| Charging connector | Not applicable | CCS2 |
| Portable charger supplied | Not applicable | No data |
| Type 2 cable supplied | Not applicable | No data |
| Front boot | No data | No data |
- Km added in 10 hours: the charger rate, capped by the car's own onboard charger, over its own rated energy use. A car without an onboard charger or energy figure is No data, never an assumed rate.
- DC times are printed only in the window the document gives (0-80% or 10-80%). Different windows are not one measure, so nobody leads across them.
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
54kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 87kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (6.6kW AC, 87kW 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 MG MG4 Urban gets a 12.8-inch display and 7-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 MG MG4 Urban. The MG MG4 Urban counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, V2L and ambient lighting. 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 MG MG4 Urban offers pu leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW X1 and 1-zone in the MG MG4 Urban.
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 MG MG4 Urban responds with a Electric making 118kW and 250Nm, paired to its gearbox driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The MG MG4 Urban has the clear power advantage at 118kW vs 115kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the MG MG4 Urban is 0.3s 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, 105mm longer than the MG MG4 Urban at 4,395mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MG4 Urban generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 540L in the BMW X1 and 382L in the MG MG4 Urban, giving the BMW X1 a 158L advantage.
The BMW X1 turns in a 11.3 m circle, kerb to kerb; the MG MG4 Urban's turning circle is not on our record.
Front boot (frunk)
BMW X1
No data
MG MG4 Urban
No data
Cost to own
At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X1 costs about $2,048 a year (6.5 L/100km, at $2.10/L premium petrol) and electricity for the MG MG4 Urban about $725 a year (16.1 kWh/100km, at $0.30/kWh electricity).
The weekly and 5-year figures in the price section above add repayments, rego, servicing and tyres to this; use our Fuel Cost Calculator for your own driving.
Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km (BMW X1) and 10 years / 250,000 km (MG MG4 Urban).
- No break-even: the MG MG4 Urban costs less to buy and less in energy.
Energy only. Excludes servicing, rego, insurance, finance interest and resale. Prices are compared only on one basis.
Where each one leads
The BMW X1: the bigger boot with the seats up (540L against 382L).
The MG MG4 Urban: the lower starting price ($32,990 against $61,800), more power (118kW against 115kW) and the longer warranty not tied to dealer servicing (7 years against 5).
The Verdict
MG MG4 Urban scores higher, 76 vs 75
The MG MG4 Urban scores 76 to the BMW X1's 75 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 5 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: practicality (BMW X1 ahead by 21 points), value (MG MG4 Urban ahead by 14 points), technology (BMW X1 ahead by 4 points). Boot space with the seats up: 540L in the BMW X1, 382L in the MG MG4 Urban.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$129/wk(≈$561/mo)
Estimate on the MG MG4 Urban at $32,990 RRP, before on-road costs; 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 MG MG4 UrbanDriva 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 MG MG4 Urban?
The MG MG4 Urban is the cheapest at $32,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X1 by $28,810.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
BMW X1 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2022) and MG MG4 Urban 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 MG MG4 Urban has the longest warranty that does not depend on dealer servicing at 7 years.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG MG4 Urban makes the most power at 118kW. The MG MG4 Urban is quickest to 100km/h in 8.7s.
Track the BMW X1 & MG MG4 Urban
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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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