Audi e-tron GE vs BMW iX1 U11

Audi e-tron

GE · 2018 – 2025

The first-generation e-tron (GE), Audi’s first all-electric SUV.

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the GE for the 55 quattro’s 408 hp and 150 kW DC charging — ideally a post-2019 car with the coolant recall done.

Best engine: The 55 quattro (larger battery).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

55 quattro · Electric vs xDrive30 · Electric

	Audi e-tron	BMW iX1
Power	408 hp Winner	313 hp
Torque	664 Nm Winner	494 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s	5,6 s Winner
Top speed	200 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	159,1 hp/t Winner	150,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km	0 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	—

Dimensions & space

	Audi e-tron	BMW iX1
Boot	660 L Winner	490 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.725 L Winner	1.495 L
Wheelbase	2,93 m Winner	2,69 m
Length	4,90 m	4,50 m
Ground clearance	17,2 cm	17,0 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	11,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	BMW iX1
Platform	MLB Evo (electric)	FAAR (electric)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · 50 quattro / 55 quattro	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	Single-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Electric
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	N/A (electric)
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi e-tron

Software/electronics gremlins on 2019–2020 cars
Coolant leak into the high-voltage electronics (recall on early cars)
Battery and charging-system health check recommended before buying used

BMW iX1

OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use

Pros

Audi e-tron

150 kW DC fast charging
55 quattro: 408 hp and up to 664 Nm in boost mode
95 kWh battery in the 55 quattro

BMW iX1

Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive

Cons

Audi e-tron

55 quattro uses ~23 kWh/100 km in real-world driving
Early software quirks

BMW iX1

DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode

Driving experience

Audi e-tron

Smooth, silent and effortlessly luxurious. The e-tron rides with genuine isolation, steers lightly and accurately, and accelerates strongly from its dual-motor quattro with none of the fuss of a combustion engine. It is heavy, which shows in corners and in real-world range, but the payoff is a hushed, relaxed calm that suits long journeys. Regenerative braking is strong enough for one-pedal driving in traffic. It was the first large electric SUV from Audi, and it drives more like a luxury saloon than a tall, heavy crossover.

BMW iX1

Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.