Head-to-head
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs BMW iX1
Just $1,700 separates the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and BMW iX1 on starting price, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 goes 43 km further on a charge. Here's where the rest of the spec sheets pull apart.
Option A · SUV
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai's retro-futuristic Ioniq 5 shares mechanicals with the Kia EV6 but adopts a more upright, lounge-like cabin and pixel-art lighting. The N performance variant brings tracky thrills to the family EV space.
- From
- $76,200
- Range
- 507 km
- Battery
- 84 kWh
Option B · SUV
BMW iX1
BMW's smallest electric SUV pairs the X1 body with a single-spec, AWD-only electric powertrain. Quick, well-resolved, and after a $8k price drop in 2026, finally a serious challenger to the Mercedes EQA and Volvo EX40.
- From
- $77,900
- Range
- 464 km
- Battery
- 64.8 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and BMW iX1, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
DC charging · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 accepts 103 kW more DC peak charging (233 vs 130 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 2
Range · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 goes 43 km further on a charge (507 vs 464 km WLTP).
- 3
Battery · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 carries a 19.2 kWh larger battery (84 vs 64.8 kWh).
- 4
Power · advantage BMW iX1
The BMW iX1 puts down 62 kW more (230 vs 168 kW).
- 5
0–100 km/h · advantage BMW iX1
The BMW iX1 is 1.8 s quicker to 100 km/h (5.6 s vs 7.4 s).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Hyundai Ioniq 5 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $1,700
- ▸ 43 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (233 kW vs 130 kW)
Where the BMW iX1 wins
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.6s vs 7.4s)
Hyundai Ioniq 5
What we like
- ✓ Distinctive design inside and out
- ✓ Class-leading 800V fast charging
- ✓ Cavernous flat-floor interior
What we don't
- ✕ 5-year vehicle warranty trails Kia
- ✕ Rear visibility hampered by tall belt-line
- ✕ Wide turning circle for the segment
BMW iX1
What we like
- ✓ Sub-6-second 0–100 from a small SUV
- ✓ Standard AWD
- ✓ Recent price cut sharpens the value case
What we don't
- ✕ Smaller battery than rivals at the price
- ✕ Only one electric variant (xDrive30)
- ✕ BMW-tax still applies on options
Frequently asked: Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs BMW iX1
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the BMW iX1?
- The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $76,200 versus $77,900 for the BMW iX1, a $1,700 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 507 km, 43 km further than the BMW iX1's 464 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Hyundai Ioniq 5 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 233 kW versus 130 kW for the BMW iX1. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The BMW iX1 does 0–100 km/h in 5.6 seconds — 1.8 s quicker than the Hyundai Ioniq 5's 7.4 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Hyundai Ioniq 5
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (43 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ you match the profile: design-led buyers
Choose the
BMW iX1
if…
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you match the profile: premium small-suv buyers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.