MG ZST vs BMW IX1
What's the difference?

MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

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BMW IX1

$49,880 - $82,900

2023 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2024 MG ZST

2023 BMW IX1

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.3L

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

Electric range

440 km

Energy consumption

18.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

67.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Happy little price tag
Good features list
Nice kerb-side presence

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

Dislikes

Tech needs improving
Upholstery/trims feel plasticky
Rivals have brand new five-star ANCAP ratings

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

2024 MG ZST Summary

The ZST is essentially an upgraded version of MG's popular small SUV, the ZS.

The ZST sees some tweaks to the overall design and some added standard safety features. So, if you like the original, there's a good chance you'll like the ZST and I've been driving the top-grade Essence variant with my family of three.

The ZST Essence has some stiff competition from similarly specified rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion Lux and Chery Omoda 5 EX offering affordable packages and similar driving experiences. So, what makes the ZST stand out?

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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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Deep dive comparison

2024 MG ZST 2023 BMW IX1

Verdict

Will the MG ZST Essence fit a small family? Absolutely, and all but the middle seat passenger will be comfortable but there are areas open for improvement. Like it's safety, laggy tech and adding a few extra items in the back seat.

Yet, it still offers a good host of features and an attractive package for a reasonable price tag. Unfortunately, my son missed having the basic amenities but did like the sun roof.

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?

MG ZST vs BMW IX1 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG ZST vs BMW IX1
What's the difference?