Head-to-head
BMW iX1 vs Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y starts $5,910 (8%) below the BMW iX1. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · 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
Option B · SUV
Tesla Model Y
Australia's best-selling EV by a wide margin, the Model Y combines crossover practicality with the Tesla software and Supercharger ecosystem. The 'Juniper' refresh addresses many of the original's ride and cabin gripes.
- From
- $71,990
- Range
- 466 km
- Battery
- 62.5 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the BMW iX1 and Tesla Model Y, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Boot · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y swallows 364 L more cargo with the rear seats up (854 vs 490 L).
- 2
DC charging · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y accepts 40 kW more DC peak charging (170 vs 130 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 3
Price · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y undercuts the BMW iX1 by $5,910 (8%) on starting price.
- 4
Warranty · advantage BMW iX1
The BMW iX1 covers the vehicle for 1 more year (5 vs 4 yrs).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the BMW iX1 wins
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.6s vs 5.9s)
- ▸ Longer warranty (5 years)
Where the Tesla Model Y wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $5,910
- ▸ 2 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (170 kW vs 130 kW)
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
Tesla Model Y
What we like
- ✓ Huge boot and frunk for family use
- ✓ Supercharger network access
- ✓ Strong residual values
What we don't
- ✕ Firm ride on 19-inch wheels
- ✕ Minimalist cabin polarises buyers
- ✕ No Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
Frequently asked: BMW iX1 vs Tesla Model Y
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BMW iX1 or the Tesla Model Y?
- The Tesla Model Y is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $71,990 versus $77,900 for the BMW iX1, a $5,910 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Tesla Model Y has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 466 km, 2 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 Tesla Model Y accepts a peak DC charging rate of 170 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 — 0.3 s quicker than the Tesla Model Y's 5.9 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the Tesla Model Y better value than the BMW iX1?
- On paper the Tesla Model Y is $5,910 cheaper AND beats the BMW iX1 on most of the headline specs we measure — meaning by spec-sheet logic it's the stronger value play. What a spec sheet can't capture: brand prestige, dealer network depth, build feel, software polish, and likely resale.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Tesla Model Y
if…
- ✓ you want to save $5,910 on the sticker
- ✓ you regularly load it up (364 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: families
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.