@ BMW Group Press
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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BMW iX1 vs Mercedes EQA – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether BMW iX1 or Mercedes EQA fits your lifestyle better.

iX1 @ BMW Group Press

Street style: presence and personality

From a distance the two play different roles in the urban theatre: the BMW iX1 projects athletic intent with taut surfaces and a stance that suggests motion even at a standstill, while the Mercedes EQA adopts a smoother, more refined silhouette that prefers understatement. Up close, the BMW's detailing feels a touch more driver-centric and sculpted, whereas the Mercedes leans into elegance and a carefully curated finish. Both will turn heads for different reasons — one for its sporty confidence, the other for its composed, premium air.

EQA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Behind the wheel: eager or composed?

Put your hands on the wheel and you sense the character split: the BMW iX1 responds with a sharper, more alert demeanor that rewards input and feels lively through bends, while the Mercedes EQA prefers to smooth things out, trading immediate edge for a composed, predictable ride. Neither is a hair-raising sports car, but one nudges you toward involvement and the other toward serene control — a meaningful difference for anyone who spends frequent hours on varied roads. Both are confident in their approach, so your choice will hinge on whether you enjoy steering engagement or prefer refined calm.

iX1 @ BMW Group Press

Cabin life: driver cockpit versus boutique comfort

Inside, the differences continue: the BMW iX1 presents a more driver-focused layout with supportive seating and controls that invite interaction, while the Mercedes EQA feels like a cozy boutique, prioritizing calm materials and a sense of modern luxury. Infotainment and interfaces are polished in both, but the BMW gives a slightly sportier ambience and the Mercedes promises a more relaxing, upscale environment for passengers. For daily life that involves lots of commuting or tall passengers, those subtle touches add up in perceived comfort.

EQA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Family chores and weekend hauls: how practical are they?

When it comes to everyday usability, the BMW iX1 tends to favour straightforward practicality with clever storage and a more usable load bay for shopping and gear, while the Mercedes EQA focuses on flexible little luxuries and neat touches that make life easier in town. Both carry the essentials for family life, but the BMW's layout feels a bit more utilitarian, and the Mercedes rewards those who appreciate finesse and refined details in everyday interactions. Either way, your day-to-day needs will be met, though priorities like luggage space or rear-seat comfort will tilt the balance differently.

iX1 @ BMW Group Press

Ownership: living with the car every day

Think beyond the showroom: the BMW iX1 projects a do-it-all attitude that suits someone looking for versatility and a dynamic weekend companion, while the Mercedes EQA courts buyers who value a polished ownership experience and an easy, composed presence on the road. Both deliver modern conveniences and usable tech, but they speak to different lifestyles — one slightly sportier and direct, the other quietly premium and refined. Practicality, perceived value and which character you prefer will determine which makes more sense to live with.

EQA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Shortlist or test-drive? Who should take the next step

If you commute on twisty roads and enjoy a more engaging steering feel, the BMW iX1 deserves a test drive; if you favour a plush, composed cabin and a softer manner, the Mercedes EQA should be on your list. Families, style-conscious city drivers and frequent long-distance users will each find appealing traits in one car or the other, so personal priorities matter more than badges. Read on to see which model takes the DriveDuel crown — the Champion will be revealed afterwards.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

iX1 @ BMW Group Press

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

BMW iX1 has a hardly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 41800 £, while the Mercedes EQA costs 44200 £. That’s a price difference of around 2409 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the Mercedes EQA: with 14.40 kWh per 100 km, it’s slight more efficient than the BMW iX1 with 15.80 kWh. That’s a difference of about 1.40 kWh.

As for range, the Mercedes EQA performs to a small extent better – achieving up to 561 km, about 98 km more than the BMW iX1.

EQA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW iX1 has a minimal edge – offering 313 HP compared to 292 HP. That’s roughly 21 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW iX1 is hardly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 5.60 s, while the Mercedes EQA takes 6 s. That’s about 0.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the BMW iX1 performs to a small extent better – reaching 180 km/h, while the Mercedes EQA tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes EQA pulls slight stronger with 520 Nm compared to 494 Nm. That’s about 26 Nm difference.

iX1 @ BMW Group Press

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, BMW iX1 is minimal lighter – 1940 kg compared to 2045 kg. The difference is around 105 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW iX1 offers evident more room – 490 L compared to 340 L. That’s a difference of about 150 L.

In maximum load capacity, the BMW iX1 performs a bit better – up to 1495 L, which is about 175 L more than the Mercedes EQA.

When it comes to payload, BMW iX1 somewhat takes the win – 495 kg compared to 425 kg. That’s a difference of about 70 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the BMW iX1 shows itself to be wins solidly and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £41,800
iX1 @ BMW Group Press

BMW iX1

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 204 - 313 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.8 - 17.1 kWh
  • Electric Range : 436 - 463 km

BMW iX1

5 (2)
rate

The BMW iX1 wraps BMW's electric ambition into a compact SUV package that feels unexpectedly premium, with sharp handling and a crisp, modern cabin that keeps the driver in charge. It's ideal for buyers who want a stylish, quiet daily driver with useful practicality and tech-savvy touches — plus enough character to make the commute feel less like a chore and more like a short joyride.

details

Mercedes EQA

5 (1)
rate

The Mercedes-Benz EQA presents a refined blend of elegance and electric performance, perfectly suited for urban environments. Its sleek and modern design emphasises aerodynamic efficiency while providing a sumptuous interior that epitomises luxury and comfort. With advanced technology seamlessly integrated into its user-friendly interface, the EQA ensures a connected and enjoyable driving experience.

details
BMW iX1
Mercedes EQA
iX1 @ BMW Group Press
EQA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
41800 - 54600 £
Price
44200 - 57400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 17.1 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
14.4 - 16.9 kWh
Electric Range
436 - 463 km
Electric Range
476 - 561 km
Battery Capacity
64.80 kWh
Battery Capacity
70.50 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1940 - 2085 kg
Curb weight
2045 - 2115 kg
Trunk capacity
490 L
Trunk capacity
340 L
Length
4500 mm
Length
4463 mm
Width
1845 mm
Width
1834 mm
Height
1616 mm
Height
1608 - 1613 mm
Max trunk capacity
1495 L
Max trunk capacity
1320 L
Payload
495 kg
Payload
425 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 - 313 HP
Power HP
190 - 292 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
170 - 180 km/h
Max Speed
160 km/h
Torque
250 - 494 Nm
Torque
385 - 520 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 - 230 kW
Power kW
140 - 215 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2022 - 2023
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Is the BMW iX1 offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW iX1 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.