New BMW iX1 vs Genesis GV60 vs Nissan Ariya: verdict
The iX1 is BMW’s smallest electric SUV, following hot on the heels of the well-received iX3 and iX. So, should established rivals from Genesis and Nissan be worried?...
Our verdict
Given how great the larger BMW iX3 is, the new iX1 has to go down as a disappointment. Sure, it’s cheaper than its bigger brother, but not by a drastic amount when you factor in the difference in standard equipment. And besides, it’s a vastly inferior car in nearly every respect.
The Ariya is much easier to recommend. Its high driving position is a big selling point, plus it’s the cheapest of the trio to buy and run, the most practical and comes packed with standard kit. It has a much longer range than the iX1, too. It’s just a pity it isn’t better to drive and more efficient.
So, our winner is the GV60. Yes, it’s the most expensive to buy and own, but it justifies that with an impressive range and efficiency, the fastest charging capability and a stunning interior with lots of standard luxuries. The fact that it’s the most comfortable, most refined and most enjoyable to drive only sweetens the deal.
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1st – Genesis GV60
For Best to drive; plushest interior; most user-friendly infotainment system; longest range; fastest to charge
Against Least roomy rear seats; smallest boot; priciest to own
Recommended options Nappa leather with quilting (£2310), metallic paint (£740)
What Car? says 5 stars out of 5
Genesis GV60 review >>
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2nd – Nissan Ariya
For Cheapest to buy and own; roomiest rear seats; highest driving position; lots of kit
Against So-so performance and efficiency; unsophisticated ride; unnatural steering weighting
Recommended options None
What Car? says 4 stars out of 5
Nissan Ariya review >>
Find new Nissan Ariya deals >>
3rd – BMW iX1
For Fastest acceleration; big boot; most flexible rear seats
Against Mediocre interior quality; infotainment not up to BMW’s usual standards; unimpressive range; short on standard kit
Recommended options Technology Pack (£1680), metallic paint (£595)
What Car? says 3 stars out of 5
BMW iX1 review >>
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Specifications: BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine
Engine Two electric motors
Peak power 308bhp
Peak torque 364Ib ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, 4WD
0-60mph 5.3sec
30-70mph 4.8sec
Top speed 112mph
30-0mph 9.2m
70-0mph 51.6m
Noise at 30mph 60.4db
Noise at 70mph 65.2db
Kerb weight 2085kg
Tyre size (std) 225/55 R18
Real world range 201 miles
Official range 270 miles
Efficiency 3.1 miles/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 64.7kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 130kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 10hr 30min
Rapid charging, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 29min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Genesis GV60 RWD Premium
Engine Electric motor
Peak power 225bhp
Peak torque 258Ib ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, RWD
0-60mph 7.4sec
30-70mph 6.2sec
Top speed 115mph
30-0mph 8.6m
70-0mph 6.2m
Noise at 30mph 60.4db
Noise at 70mph 65.1db
Kerb weight 2125kg
Tyre size (std) 235/55 R19
Real world range 263 miles
Official range 321 miles
Efficiency 3.4 miles/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 77.4kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 239kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 11hr 45min
Rapid charging, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 18min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Nissan Ariya 87kWh Advance
Engine Electric motor
Peak power 239bhp
Peak torque 221Ib ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, FWD
0-60mph 8.3sec
30-70mph 6.5sec
Top speed 100mph
30-0mph 9.3m
70-0mph 46.6m
Noise at 30mph 59.1db
Noise at 70mph 66.5db
Kerb weight 2059kg
Tyre size (std) 235/55 R19
Real world range 252 miles
Official range 329 miles
Efficiency 2.9 miles/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 87.0kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 130kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 14hr
Rapid charging, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 35min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Weather conditions Dry
Cars pictured
BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine with Mineral White metallic paint (£595), panoramic glass roof (£1000) and 19in V-spoke bicolour alloy wheels (£695)
Genesis GV60 RWD Premium with Hanauma Mint metallic paint (£740) and Nappa leather with quilting (£2310)
Nissan Ariya 87kWh Evolve with Blue Pearl paint and black roof (£1395), Sport Pack incl 20in wheels and blue Nappa leather seat upholstery (£1995)
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