Hyundai IONIQ 5 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.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts from $71,990 before on-road costs, while the BMW iX1 opens at $78,900. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the more affordable entry point by $6,910.
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 $79,189 and $86,790 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 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and BMW iX1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 86% for the BMW iX1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BMW iX1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 6 in the BMW iX1. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW iX1 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the BMW iX1 gets a 10.7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and BOSE audio that you will not find on the BMW iX1. The BMW iX1 counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 uses a Electric producing 168kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The BMW iX1 responds with a Electric making 150kW and 247Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the clear power advantage at 168kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX1 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 77.4kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 64.7kWh (BMW iX1), giving WLTP ranges of 433km and 578km. DC fast charging peaks at 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 200kW (BMW iX1).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 measures 4,635mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 135mm longer than the BMW iX1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 500L in the BMW iX1, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 5 a 27L advantage.
For towing, the BMW iX1 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.6m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m 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 (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW iX1 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes 6 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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