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BMW iX1 vs Vauxhall Frontera comparison

Compare performance (313 HP vs 145 HP), boot space and price (42,300 £ vs 20,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW iX1 or Vauxhall Frontera?

BMW iX1 vs Vauxhall Frontera: Key differences

BMW iX1

4.5 (5 Reviews)
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  • significantly more power
  • slightly more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely more trunk space
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Vauxhall Frontera

4.1 (7 Reviews)
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  • clearly cheaper
  • noticeably lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

iX1

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Vauxhall Frontera is clearly cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the BMW iX1 costs 42,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 21,608 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BMW iX1 is slightly more efficient: consuming 14.3 kWh/100km compared to 16.7 kWh/100km for the Vauxhall Frontera. That’s a difference of about 2.4 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BMW iX1 offers markedly more range – reaching up to 514 km, about 114 km more than the Vauxhall Frontera.

Frontera

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW iX1 offers significantly more power – delivering 313 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 168 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW iX1 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.6 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9.1 s. That’s about 3.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW iX1 delivers substantially more torque with 494 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 264 Nm more.

iX1

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: Vauxhall Frontera offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Vauxhall Frontera is noticeably lighter – 1,394 kg compared to 1,940 kg. The difference is around 546 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW iX1 offers barely more boot space – 490 L compared to 460 L. That’s a difference of about 30 L.

When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries somewhat more – 570 kg compared to 495 kg. That’s a difference of about 75 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW iX1 is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £42,300
iX1

BMW iX1

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 204 - 313 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 14.3 - 15.7 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 466 - 514 km
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Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3 Aircross
Opel Frontera
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Choosing between the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Opel Frontera comes down to whether you want a compact, comfort-focused crossover or a more traditionally rugged SUV. The C3 Aircross shines with clever packaging, ride comfort and economy, while the Frontera offers stronger towing, load capacity and …
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BMW iX1
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW iX1

The BMW iX1 is a compact electric crossover that blends BMW's characteristic driving dynamics with a practical, premium interior, making it a strong choice for buyers who want an upscale daily driver with electric efficiency. It delivers composed handling for city and motorway use, while its clean, modern styling and intuitive tech give the cabin an inviting, contemporary feel.

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Reviews BMW iX1

4.5 (5 Reviews)
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Roland
27 Apr 2026, 12:37:41

Intuitive to operate, excellent tactile feel, high seating position. More range or a larger battery would be desirable, but that would be nitpicking at the highest level.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
F
22 Apr 2026, 07:16:32

The very large price difference is a major point for me.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
HP
17 Dec 2025, 22:14:02

Delightful driver's car. Light-footed, quick, silent and sporty.
If the range could be improved, it would be absolutely top.
You do have to buy a few option packs to make it fun — expect to pay around 70 grand.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Vauxhall Frontera

The Opel Frontera is a rugged, no-nonsense SUV that balances off-road capability with comfortable everyday driving. It offers straightforward mechanics and a practical cabin, making it a sensible choice for buyers who value durability over flash.

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NewOpelFronteraElectric
NewOpelFronteraElectric (1)
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NewOpelFronteraElectric (4)
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NewOpelFronteraElectric (7)

Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.1 (7 Reviews)
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Pascal
5 Jun 2026, 04:10:37

A thoroughly bad cheap car. Feels like a C3 Aircross for the poor.

That's a reason to change employers! Terrible car.

It already has a nickname, "Klapperchen"

I think any Dacia is better!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Roch
18 May 2026, 10:12:50

Automatic gearbox and certain features, like the windshield wipers that aren’t optional; the trunk capacity is larger on the 5-seat Frontera.

Wolfgang
6 May 2026, 04:24:52

I just like the Opel better (maybe only because I'm very disappointed in VW and therefore also in its subsidiaries).

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gilbert
14 Apr 2026, 08:19:17

I bought the Opel Frontera GS 145PS after also testing the VW T‑Roc; so far I've driven about 5,800 km in it.

My purchase decision was based on the following criteria:
- modern design that stands out from the crowd
- low fuel consumption
- very good seats and plenty of space front and rear
- large, practical boot
- good performance characteristics
- very easy to get into
- simple controls, partly with physical buttons
- clear, well‑laid‑out cockpit

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
H. P.
19 Dec 2025, 13:27:19

Opel has clearly skimped here. Misaligned panel gaps, no position/parking light, patchy workmanship and ill‑fitting parts — for example the partition between the passenger footwell and the engine bay — the owner's manual is inadequate and at times reads like a fairy tale; many of the functions it describes are nowhere to be found. They simply don't exist. And the claimed fuel consumption? Even with normal driving — that is, without acceleration orgies — it's unattainable.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Volvo EX40
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Choosing between the BMW iX1 and the Volvo EX40 comes down to whether you want a compact electric SUV that emphasizes BMW’s sporty, driver-focused dynamics or one that prioritizes Volvo’s calm, safety-minded comfort. Both deliver premium EV credentials, but they differ in ride character, interior …
Opel Frontera
Renault R4
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BMW iX1
Vauxhall Frontera

Costs and Consumption
Price
42,300 - 55,200 £
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
5.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.3 - 15.7 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
466 - 514 km
Electric Range
308 - 400 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 - 118 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5 - 7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,940 - 2,085 kg
Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
Trunk capacity
490 L
Trunk capacity
460 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,845 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
495 kg
Payload
436 - 570 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 - 313 HP
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 494 Nm
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
150 - 230 kW
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
Brand
BMW
Brand
Vauxhall
What drivetrain options does the BMW iX1 have?

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

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.