Nissan ARIYA 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 Nissan ARIYA starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the BMW iX1 opens at $78,900. That makes the Nissan ARIYA the more affordable entry point by $23,910.
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 $60,489 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 Nissan ARIYA and BMW iX1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Nissan ARIYA and 86% for the BMW iX1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan ARIYA 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 Nissan ARIYA and 6 in the BMW iX1. The Nissan ARIYA adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW iX1 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan ARIYA 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 Nissan ARIYA stands out with head-up display, wireless charging and heated front seats 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 Nissan ARIYA uses a Electric producing 160kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 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 Nissan ARIYA has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX1 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 63kWh (Nissan ARIYA) vs 64.7kWh (BMW iX1), giving WLTP ranges of 385km and 578km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (Nissan ARIYA) vs 200kW (BMW iX1).
Space & Comfort
The Nissan ARIYA measures 4,595mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 95mm longer than the BMW iX1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan ARIYA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 466L in the Nissan ARIYA and 500L in the BMW iX1, giving the BMW iX1 a 34L advantage.
For towing, the BMW iX1 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg 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 (Nissan ARIYA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan ARIYA if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW iX1 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW iX1 takes 6 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BMW iX1 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, Nissan ARIYA and BMW iX1?
The Nissan ARIYA is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX1 by $23,910.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Nissan ARIYA has the most range at 403km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW iX1 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Nissan ARIYA 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 Nissan ARIYA makes the most power at 160kW. The BMW iX1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
