Verdict
At RM250,800 versus RM220,000, the BMW iX1 asks RM30,800 more for a smaller-battery, shorter-range CBU electric SUV: 66.5 kWh and 475 km against the Toyota bZ4X’s 73.1 kWh and 525 km. The Toyota is also quicker to 100 km/h at 7.4 seconds and charges harder at 22 kW AC and 150 kW DC. The BMW fights back with a larger 490-litre boot, a 170 km/h top speed, head-up display, 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio and Adaptive M Suspension.
Pick the BMW iX1 if you want the bigger boot, higher top speed and richer cabin tech such as the head-up display and 16-speaker Harman Kardon system.
Pick the Toyota bZ4X if you want the stronger EV numbers for less money: more range, quicker acceleration, faster charging and a longer manufacturer warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW iX1 RM250,800; Toyota bZ4X RM220,000
- Battery and range: BMW iX1 66.5 kWh, 475 km; Toyota bZ4X 73.1 kWh, 525 km
- Charging rate: BMW iX1 11 kW AC, 130 kW DC; Toyota bZ4X 22 kW AC, 150 kW DC
- Performance: BMW iX1 204 hp, 250 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 8.6 sec; Toyota bZ4X 224 hp, 269 Nm, 7.4 sec
- Size and boot: BMW iX1 4,500 mm long, 2,692 mm wheelbase, 490 litres; Toyota bZ4X 4,690 mm, 2,850 mm, 452 litres
- Warranty: BMW iX1 2-year manufacturer warranty, 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty; Toyota bZ4X 5-year manufacturer warranty, 8-year/unlimited-mileage battery,…
iX1
- Larger 490-litre boot versus the Toyota’s 452 litres
- Head-up display, front foglamps and 16-speaker 464W Harman Kardon audio
- Higher 170 km/h top speed and Adaptive M Suspension
- RM30,800 more expensive than the Toyota
- Shorter 475 km EV range versus 525 km
- Slower charging at 11 kW AC and 130 kW DC
bZ4X
- Lower RM220,000 price with higher 224 hp and 269 Nm outputs
- Longer 525 km range and faster 22 kW AC, 150 kW DC charging
- 5-year manufacturer warranty, plus 8-year unlimited-mileage cover for the battery, inverter and PCU
- Smaller 452-litre boot versus the BMW’s 490 litres
- Lower 160 km/h top speed
- No head-up display or front foglamps
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,800 | RM 220,000✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 204 hp | 224 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 250 Nm | 269 Nm✓ |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Nickel Manganese Cobalt |
| Battery Capacity | 66.5 kWh | 73.1 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 475 km | 525 km✓ |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 22 kW✓ |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS2 | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 130 kW | 150 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.6 seconds | 7.4 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h✓ | 160 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,690 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,860 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,650 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Weight | 2,085 kg | 2,020 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres✓ | 452 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/50R20 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 19" M Doublespoke 871 Bicolour | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" M Doublespoke 871 Bicolour | 20" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive M Suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, front-side, rear | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front Centre, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | 2 on outer rear seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Front Collision Warning | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Yes | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Driving Assistant Plus | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Electric Seat Adjustment with Memory for Driver | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation & Driver's Side Memory |
| Rear Seats | 60/40 split | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | Front 12V, Qi Wireless charging tray | 1 Front, 2 Wireless Chargers, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | Dual front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Yes | Powered Panoramic Roof Shade |
| Audio | BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 10.25" Touchscreen, iDrive Controller, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and 16-speaker, 464W Harman Kardon Sound System | 14" Display Audio with Touch Screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Yes | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Electric | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes with 360 view | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Parking Assistant Plus | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | Add RM13,430 for 5 year warranty and service package, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | 8-Year/Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Battery, Inverter and PCU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 160✓ | RM 200 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
iX1 vs bZ4X FAQ
Is the BMW iX1 or Toyota bZ4X better?
On the numbers, the Toyota bZ4X is the better buy: it costs less, goes further, accelerates quicker, charges faster and has a longer manufacturer warranty. The BMW iX1 suits buyers who prioritise boot space, audio, head-up display and Adaptive M Suspension.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX1 costs RM250,800, while the Toyota bZ4X costs RM220,000. That makes the BMW RM30,800 more expensive before considering the BMW’s optional RM13,430 five-year warranty and service package.
Which EV has the longer range and faster charging?
The Toyota bZ4X has the advantage. It has a 73.1 kWh battery and 525 km range, against the BMW iX1’s 66.5 kWh battery and 475 km range. Charging is also faster: 22 kW AC and 150 kW DC versus 11 kW AC and 130 kW DC.