BMW IX1 vs Mazda CX-60
What's the difference?

BMW IX1

$49,880 - $82,900

2023 price

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Mazda CX-60

$36,980 - $77,985

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

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Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA250

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Mitsubishi Pajero

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Summary

2023 BMW IX1

2025 Mazda CX-60

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Turbo 6, 3.3L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Electric range

440 km

7.4L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

18.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

67.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Quality feel
Spacious and practical interior
Superb powertrain and handling capabilities

Dislikes

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

Some suspension noise intrusion
Oddly dated styling inside and out
Still a premium-priced Mazda

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.

View full pricing & specs

2025 Mazda CX-60 Summary

A good car in its own right, the Mazda CX-60 has nevertheless been one of the most disappointing new-model releases of recent times.

After the ongoing critical and commercial success of the CX-5, its somewhat larger premium mid-sized sibling should have been a slam dunk, with BMW-evoking longitudinal drivetrain and terrific in-line six-cylinder engine choices, as well as the surprisingly far-sighted option of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from the get-go.

Yet, when launched internationally during 2022, the quality, packaging and performance were overshadowed by high prices, a jarring ride, odd handling and erratic transmission calibration, particularly in the aforementioned PHEV.

Now there’s been a wholesale re-think surrounding all of the CX-60’s objectionable systems, as well as a new, lower priced grade, among other updates.

Is it the SUV Mazda should have launched in the first place? Let’s find out.

View full pricing & specs

Interested in a Mazda CX-60?

Deep dive comparison

2023 BMW IX1 2025 Mazda CX-60

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

Have no doubts. The MY25 version of the CX-60 is the SUV that Mazda should have launched in Australia in 2023.

It fulfils the promise of its sophisticated specification, builds on the extensive dynamic abilities of previous models, and now provides a compelling – and unique – choice for medium-SUV buyers who do not need an extended seven-seater.

It may still looks a bit daggy from some angles outside, and we’d like a little bit less suspension noise on the inside, but the CX-60 should now be on Australian family-car shortlists.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

BMW IX1 vs Mazda CX-60 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW IX1 vs Mazda CX-60
What's the difference?