Denza B5 vs BMW iX1
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.
Denza B5
From $74,990
SUV
Plug-in Hybrid
Petrol Turbo PHEV
400kW
1.9 kWh/100km
5★ ANCAP
470L
BMW iX1
From $77,900
SUV
Electric
Electric
230kW
—
5★ ANCAP
490L
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the Denza B5 & BMW iX1
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Price Breakdown
The Denza B5 starts from $74,990 before on-road costs, while the BMW iX1 opens at $77,900. That makes the Denza B5 the more affordable entry point by $2,910.
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 $82,489 and $85,690 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
Both the Denza B5 and BMW iX1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Denza B5 and 86% for the BMW iX1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW iX1 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Denza B5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
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
31.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 100kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 100kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
64.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 130kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 130kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Denza B5 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW iX1 gets a 10.7-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Denza B5 stands out with Apple CarPlay and Devialet audio that you will not find on the BMW iX1. The BMW iX1 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Denza B5 gets leather upholstery while the BMW iX1 offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Denza B5 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 400kW and 760Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.
The BMW iX1 responds with a Electric making 230kW and 494Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The Denza B5 has the clear power advantage at 400kW vs 230kW. In the real-world sprint, the Denza B5 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 31.8kWh (Denza B5) vs 64.7kWh (BMW iX1). DC fast charging peaks at 100kW (Denza B5) vs 130kW (BMW iX1).
Space & Comfort
The Denza B5 measures 4,888mm long on a 2,800mm wheelbase, 388mm longer than the BMW iX1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Denza B5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 470L in the Denza B5 and 490L in the BMW iX1, giving the BMW iX1 a 20L advantage.
For towing, the Denza B5 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 1,800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 11.9m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.9m 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: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX1). The Denza B5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Denza B5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Denza's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW iX1 if: You need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Denza B5 takes 5 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Denza B5 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Denza B5 and BMW iX1?
The Denza B5 is the cheapest at $74,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX1 by $2,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Denza B5 uses the least fuel at 1.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Denza B5 and BMW iX1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW iX1 has the largest boot at 490L.
Which can tow the most?
The Denza B5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Denza B5 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Denza B5 makes the most power at 400kW. The Denza B5 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.8s.
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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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