BMW IX1 vs Audi Q8
What's the difference?

BMW IX1

$49,880 - $82,900

2023 price

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Audi Q8

—

2025 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA250

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini 3D Hatch

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series

Summary

2023 BMW IX1

2025 Audi Q8

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

—

2.6L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

18.2 kWh/100km

—

Electric range

440 km

74 km

Battery capacity

67.00 kWh

25.90 kWh

Seating

Likes

Surprising value for money
Impressive design inside and out
Decent road manners

Athletic and sporty looks a winning combo
Drives beautifully
Improved EV driving range

Dislikes

Could use stronger single-pedal braking tech
Some road/tyre noise intrusion
Hides its ‘EV-ness’ with regular ICE X1 styling

High price tag is hard to justify
Lacks clever storage options
Small boot compared to siblings

2023 BMW IX1 Summary

The world is full of shock brand announcements.

Remember the time Coke suddenly changed its cola recipe? Or when Apple decided to take on Nokia with iPhone? Nobody saw those coming.

We all know how the latter turned out and even the former eventually became a marketing masterstroke.

Now here's another super-surprise – a German electric luxury SUV that’s actually comparatively inexpensive. And not stingily equipped. Yep, we’re talking about the iX1.

Based on the really rather impressive third-generation X1, it decisively undercuts similarly-specified rivals from Mercedes-Benz (EQA, EQB) and Genesis (GV60).

But is the Bavarian EV SUV worth paying that little bit extra for against (only very slightly) cheaper alternatives like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y, Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 Recharge?

Let’s see.

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2025 Audi Q8 Summary

The Audi Q8 has had a mid-life upgrade and it brings a few minor tweaks to the design, technology and equipment.

Plug-in hybrids tend to rank a little lower on my excitement scale when it comes to available powertrains because I usually find the constant charging inconvenient.

However, the electric driving range of the 60 TSFIe quattro S Line grade has been bolstered by 27km, increasing it to 74km overall.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 BMW IX1 2025 Audi Q8

Verdict

BMW is a true EV pioneer, as the 2014 i3 and subsequent models prove. There’s never been one that we didn’t like. The only problem was that all were expensive. And at times, prohibitively so.

Astoundingly, the iX1 breaks that cycle, comparatively speaking, while impressing us with its design, quality, packaging, dynamics and equipment levels.

As it stands, the xDrive30 is one of the most convincing and best-value medium-sized luxury SUV EVs on the market right now.

Who’d have thought it from a BMW?

Verdict

The updated Audi Q8 60 TFSIe quattro S line still looks good inside and out. It fits a family comfortably without feeling too big and there’s enough here to satisfy those who like the luxury features.

It's price tag will hurt it but the improved power outputs and driving range is a big plus and makes the plug-in hybrid powertrain make more sense.

BMW IX1 vs Audi Q8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW IX1 vs Audi Q8
What's the difference?