Choosing the right electric SUV for you and your family can be challenging, with most of the top brands offering a model for the market. Tesla and BMW are world renowned for the quality of their vehicles, so we are going to focus on these brands in this blog, in particular the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX1. We’ll compare these two market leaaders, exploring their performance, design, technology, features and price to help you decide which vehicle best suits you.
Tesla and the Model Y
Founded in 2003, Tesla revolutionised the automotive industry by focusing on electric vehicles (EVs) whilst many others were still working on innovations for petrol and diesel engines. Of course, with the legislation preventing the new manufacture of ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles after 2035, all major manufacturers have turned their attention to the eco-friendly power source, but Tesla has given themselves a head start, resulting in being the number one selling EV manufacturer since 2018, with the Model Y being number one in its own right in 2022 and 2023.
The Tesla Model Y is a versatile electric SUV offering impressive range, quick acceleration, advanced technology and spacious interiors, designed for families seeking performance and practicality from their vehicle that aligns with modern sustainability efforts.
BMW and the iX1
BMW has been a leading name in the automotive industry for over 100 years having been founded in 1916 to build aircraft engines but soon shifting its focus to the burgeoning car market in the late 1920s. BMW has released a wide range of models over the years to cater for various needs and lifestyles, becoming synonymous with high-performance luxury saloons and roadsters. BMW was actually ahead of the game when they introduced the 1602e, an experimental electric vehicle, in 1972, 30 years before Tesla even formed, but they wouldn’t return to electric innovation until the release of the i3 in 2013.
The BMW iX1, released in 2022, is a compact electric SUV offering a dynamic driving experience, premium interiors, advanced technology and practicality, making it ideal for eco-conscious drivers seeking luxury and versatility and a main competitor to the Tesla Model Y!
Performance and motors
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, combining a front induction motor with a rear permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor, and with a 75 kWh battery pack, this EV SUV offers up to 316 miles per single charge. It delivers robust performance, achieving 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and charging up to 80% in approximately 32 minutes. If you use a Tesla Supercharger you can add 160 miles of range in a mere 15 minutes.
BMW iX1
The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is powered by a 64.7 kWh battery and dual electric motors generating 313 horsepower. This setup delivers a 0-60 mph acceleration in just 5.7 seconds. With a WLTP-estimated range of up to 270 miles on a full charge, it offers practicality alongside performance. Charging is efficient, with a 10% to 80% recharge achievable in under 30 minutes using a 130 kW DC fast charger, making it a versatile choice for both short and long journeys.
Internal technology
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y's interior features a minimalist design centred around a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system that controls navigation, media and climate settings. It includes built-in navigation with real-time traffic updates, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless device charging and multiple USB ports. Comfort is enhanced by heated front and rear seats, a panoramic glass roof and dual-zone automatic climate control, and Tesla's over-the-air update system delivers software upgrades directly to vehicles, enhancing features, improving performance and adding new functionality.
BMW iX1
The BMW iX1's interior features a sleek design with premium materials and a user-friendly layout. The centrepiece is the BMW Curved Display, combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch touchscreen running the latest iDrive system. This setup offers intuitive access to navigation, media and vehicle settings, with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To make driving more comfortable, it offers heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and ambient lighting, creating a luxurious and connected driving environment.
Safety
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. Its robust structure includes a fortified battery pack mounted low in the vehicle, enhancing strength and providing large crumple zones, as well as active safety features, including Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Avoidance and Blind Spot Monitoring.
BMW iX1
The BMW iX1 comes with a wide range of safety features to protect occupants, other road users and pedestrians. Standard equipment includes dual frontal, side chest, side head and centre airbags, crumple zones that absorb impact energy and seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters, which tighten the seatbelts upon detecting a collision to secure passengers firmly, then gradually release tension to minimise injury. These features contribute to the iX1's five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Driver assist features
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y offers a suite of driver assistance features designed to enhance safety and convenience. Standard Autopilot includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, which maintains a set speed relative to surrounding traffic, and Autosteer, assisting with steering within clearly marked lanes. The Full Self-Driving package adds capabilities like Navigate on Autopilot for motorway driving, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, which identifies and responds to traffic signals and stop signs.
BMW iX1
The BMW iX1 offers an equally assorted range of features to aid the driving experience. Driving Assistant Plus maintains speed, distance and lane positioning on motorways, reducing driver effort during long journeys. Parking Assistant Plus helps manoeuvre into tight spots with ease and includes a reversing assistant that retraces the car's path for up to 50 metres, whilst Speed Limit Assist adapts the vehicle’s speed to match current traffic regulations, making the iX1 a reliable and user-friendly driving companion.
USPs
Tesla Model Y
- Impressive Range
Offers up to 316 miles on a single charge, reducing the need for frequent recharging. - Advanced Technology
Features Tesla’s signature 15-inch touchscreen, over-the-air updates and Full Self-Driving capabilities (optional). - Exceptional Performance
Dual-motor all-wheel drive delivers rapid acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds. - Minimalist Design
Spacious interior with a panoramic glass roof and flexible seating for up to seven. - Supercharger Network
Access to Tesla’s extensive, fast-charging network ensures convenience on long trips.
BMW iX1
- Compact Luxury
Combines BMW’s signature premium materials with a spacious, versatile interior for a refined driving experience. - Advanced Infotainment
Features the BMW Curved Display with cutting-edge iDrive 8 system, offering seamless connectivity and intuitive controls. - Strong Performance
Dual electric motors deliver 313 horsepower and 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds. - Efficient Charging
Supports fast charging, achieving 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes. - Practical Range
Provides up to 270 miles (WLTP), balancing performance with practicality for everyday use.
Price
The price of these vehicles will vary depending on a range of factors, including whether it is brand new or used, the mileage, condition, battery health, model year, upgrades, warranty, market demand and more. So, we have included below the price for a brand-new model and the average used price as of November 2024. However, it is worth doing your research and shopping around to get the best deal.
Tesla Model Y
New price
£46,990
Used price
£37,850
BMW iX1
New price
£46,205 for the standard model, rising to £57,750 for higher spec versions.
Used price
£35,000
However, if these prices are a little heavy for your budget, or your heart is set on a brand-new model with all the latest features and technology, car leasing would be the ideal route for you. With lower initial cost, lower monthly payments and the flexibility to tailor your agreement to suit your needs and budget, leasing a Tesla Model Y or BMW iX1 is the cost-effective way to get behind the wheel of your dream car.
