Tesla Model Y vs BMW iX1

The Tesla Model Y starts from $65,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW iX1 opens at $78,900. That makes the Tesla Model Y the more affordable entry point by $13,000.

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 $72,490 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.

Both the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Tesla Model Y and 86% for the BMW iX1.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model Y packs more ADAS features with 8 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 8 in the Tesla Model Y and 6 in the BMW iX1.

The Tesla Model Y features a 16-inch touchscreen, while the BMW iX1 gets a 10.7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Tesla Model Y stands out with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW iX1. The BMW iX1 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Tesla Model Y uses a Electric Motor producing 194kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 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 Tesla Model Y has the clear power advantage at 194kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model Y is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 60kWh (Tesla Model Y) vs 64.7kWh (BMW iX1), giving WLTP ranges of 620km and 578km. DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Tesla Model Y) vs 200kW (BMW iX1).

The Tesla Model Y measures 4,792mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 292mm longer than the BMW iX1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model Y generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 854L in the Tesla Model Y and 500L in the BMW iX1, giving the Tesla Model Y a 354L 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.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model Y) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX1). Both match on warranty length.