Mercedes-Benz EQB 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 Mercedes-Benz EQB starts from $84,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW iX1 opens at $77,900. That makes the BMW iX1 the more affordable entry point by $7,000.
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 $93,390 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 Mercedes-Benz EQB and BMW iX1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Mercedes-Benz EQB and 86% for the BMW iX1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mercedes-Benz EQB and 6 in the BMW iX1.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz EQB features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 Mercedes-Benz EQB stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW iX1. The BMW iX1 counters with 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 Mercedes-Benz EQB gets synthetic leather upholstery while the BMW iX1 offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz EQB uses a Electric producing 140kW and 375Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 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 BMW iX1 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX1 is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66.5kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQB) vs 64.7kWh (BMW iX1), giving WLTP ranges of 465km and 578km. DC fast charging peaks at 100kW (Mercedes-Benz EQB) vs 200kW (BMW iX1).
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz EQB measures 4,684mm long on a 2,829mm wheelbase, 184mm longer than the BMW iX1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQB generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 495L in the Mercedes-Benz EQB and 500L in the BMW iX1, giving the BMW iX1 a 5L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz EQB seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the BMW iX1 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 12.6m
Based on 11.4m 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 (Mercedes-Benz EQB) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQB if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW iX1 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW iX1 takes 7 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz EQB and BMW iX1?
The BMW iX1 is the cheapest at $77,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQB by $7,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mercedes-Benz EQB has the most range at 419km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW iX1 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz EQB 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 500L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW iX1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX1 makes the most power at 230kW. The BMW iX1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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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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