Lexus RZ 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.
Track the Lexus RZ & BMW iX1
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus RZ starts from $84,500 before on-road costs, while the BMW iX1 opens at $77,900. That makes the BMW iX1 the more affordable entry point by $6,600.
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 $92,950 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 Lexus RZ and BMW iX1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Lexus RZ 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 5 in the Lexus RZ.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
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
74.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW 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 Lexus RZ features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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 Lexus RZ stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, V2L and Mark Levinson audio that you will not find on the BMW iX1. The BMW iX1 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus RZ gets synthetic leather upholstery while the BMW iX1 offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Lexus RZ uses a Electric Motor producing 280kW and 538Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 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 Lexus RZ has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 230kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RZ is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 74.7kWh (Lexus RZ) vs 64.7kWh (BMW iX1), giving WLTP ranges of 460km and 578km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Lexus RZ) vs 130kW (BMW iX1).
Space & Comfort
The Lexus RZ measures 4,805mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 305mm longer than the BMW iX1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus RZ generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 522L in the Lexus RZ and 490L in the BMW iX1, giving the Lexus RZ a 32L advantage.
For towing, the BMW iX1 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 450kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.9m
Based on 11.2m 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: 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus RZ) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus RZ if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW iX1 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus RZ takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Lexus RZ has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus RZ and BMW iX1?
The BMW iX1 is the cheapest at $77,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RZ by $6,600.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Lexus RZ has the most range at 460km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Lexus RZ accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus RZ 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 Lexus RZ has the largest boot at 522L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW iX1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus RZ makes the most power at 280kW. The Lexus RZ is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
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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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