Audi e-tron vs BMW iX1

Audi e-tron

Audi’s electric luxury SUV.

BMW iX1

BMW’s fully electric compact SUV.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the e-tron for the 600-litre rear boot (plus 60-litre frunk), air suspension and quattro — accepting the real-world range below WLTP.

Best engine: The 55 quattro with the larger battery for the best balance of range and performance.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the iX1 for zero-emission driving in a practical compact premium SUV with modern iDrive tech and a punchy xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor).

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
Width	1,94 m	1,85 m
Height	1,63 m	1,62 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	BMW iX1
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal, adapted for electric drive)	FAAR (front-drive base, shared with the X1 U11)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Dual electric motors (quattro)	Single or dual electric motors (fifth-generation eDrive)
Fuel	Electric	Electric
Transmission	Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio)	Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio)
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	N/A (electric)
LEZ access	Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones	Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi e-tron

Early software bugs in the infotainment and driver-assist systems
High-voltage system: coolant circuit and electronics need checking on early cars
Real-world range sits well below the WLTP figure

BMW iX1

Software/iDrive (early OS8/OS9 builds)
Integrated brake system (IBS) recall (2022–2024)
12V battery can drain when parked

Pros

Audi e-tron

600-litre rear boot (plus 60-litre front frunk)
Dual-motor quattro (408 hp in the 55)
Air suspension standard

BMW iX1

Zero-emission and brisk in traffic thanks to instant torque
Practical compact SUV with adult rear seats and a 490 L boot
Quiet, refined ride, typically electric

Cons

Audi e-tron

Real-world range is well below the WLTP figure
~2.5-tonne kerb weight

BMW iX1

Firm ride, especially on larger wheels and M Sport
Battery pack slightly reduces boot versus the X1

Driving experience

Audi e-tron

As a model line, the e-tron accelerates strongly and silently on dual electric motors, and the air suspension soaks up poor surfaces. It feels heavy and planted rather than agile, and it is happiest cruising. Regeneration is adjustable for one-pedal driving in town. The 55 quattro has 408 hp and a 95 kWh battery, but real-world range is well below its WLTP figure.