Verdict
At RM252,800, the BMW X1 costs RM32,800 more than the Toyota bZ4X, yet it brings a 476-litre boot, 24 litres more than the Toyota, and a 236-km/h top speed. The bZ4X is the more rational EV choice for buyers able to charge at home or work: its 73.1-kWh battery is rated for 525 km, accepts 22 kW AC and 150 kW DC charging, and its annual road tax is RM200 against RM439. It is also marginally quicker to 100 km/h, at 7.4 seconds versus 7.6 seconds.
Pick the BMW X1 if you need the larger 476-litre boot, a space-saver spare tyre and the much higher 236-km/h top speed.
Pick the Toyota bZ4X if you can charge regularly and want 525 km of claimed EV range, lower road tax and a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Key differences
- Acceleration: BMW X1 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds; Toyota bZ4X in 7.4 seconds.
- Top speed: BMW X1 236 km/h; Toyota bZ4X 160 km/h.
- Boot space: BMW X1 476 litres; Toyota bZ4X 452 litres.
- Wheelbase: BMW X1 2,692 mm; Toyota bZ4X 2,850 mm.
- Annual road tax: BMW X1 RM439; Toyota bZ4X RM200.
- Manufacturer warranty: BMW X1 two years/unlimited mileage; Toyota bZ4X five years/unlimited mileage.
X1
- 476-litre boot is 24 litres larger.
- 236-km/h top speed.
- Space-saver spare tyre included.
- RM32,800 higher purchase price.
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus the Toyota's five years.
- Slightly slower 0-100 km/h time of 7.6 seconds versus 7.4 seconds.
bZ4X
- 73.1-kWh battery with 525-km claimed range.
- 22 kW AC and 150 kW DC charging capability.
- Five-year/unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty, plus eight-year/unlimited-mileage battery, inverter and PCU cover.
- 452-litre boot is 24 litres smaller.
- 160-km/h top speed is 76 km/h lower.
- Tyre repair kit instead of the BMW's space-saver spare.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM252,800 | RM220,000✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM200✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | — |
| Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11.1 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 224 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 269 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 73.1 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 525 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 150 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Dual-clutch | — |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.6 seconds | 7.4 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 7.2 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 236 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 | — | 2,020 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 476 litres✓ | 452 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/50R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| 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 for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger seat and two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation & Driver's Side Memory |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 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 | 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear | 1 Front, 2 Wireless Chargers, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Powered Panoramic Roof Shade |
| Audio | 10.7" BMW Operating System 8 with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 14" Display Audio with Touch Screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Parking Assistant | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | No | — |
| 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 | — | 8-Year/Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Battery, Inverter and PCU |
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.
Used X1 & bZ4X for sale
X1 vs bZ4X FAQ
Is the BMW X1 or Toyota bZ4X better?
The Toyota bZ4X is the better choice for regular EV charging, with 525 km of claimed range, lower road tax and longer warranty cover. Choose the BMW X1 for its larger boot, space-saver spare tyre and 236-km/h top speed.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X1 costs RM32,800 more than the Toyota bZ4X. The Toyota is also cheaper to tax annually, at RM200 versus RM439.
Which has the stronger ownership cover?
The Toyota bZ4X has the stronger standard cover: five years with unlimited mileage, plus an eight-year/unlimited-mileage battery, inverter and PCU warranty. The BMW X1 has a two-year/unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty, with a five-year extended warranty available.