Nissan Sukura vs BMW IX

What's the difference?

It is no secret that the Chinese brands have taken Australia’s affordable EV market by storm. The three most affordable electric models in Australia are all Chinese, and all start under $40k.

But this is the Nissan Sakura, a Japanese-market EV that has global potential, with the brand’s most senior executives saying they want to bring cheaper electric vehicles to the masses.

How cheap? Well this one starts at around 2.5m yen, which is less than $27,000.

So, does Nissan have something here that can upset the cheap EV apple cart? Let’s go find out.

When the BMW iX first showed up a few years ago, it was a promising look at what BMW seemed capable of when it comes to electric cars.

While mildly flawed, the iX was fast, comfortable and felt properly premium. Now it’s had a decent update, with the iX xDrive45 M Sport here to replace the former entry-level xDrive 40.

BMW claims among other mechanical and tech updates a power increase of 25 per cent, a 30 per cent greater energy content for the battery, a 38 per cent increase in driving range and a 17 per cent faster charging rate.

But in the time since the iX launched, there have been big strides in the premium electric SUV space, including new arrivals from European opposition like the Polestar 3; even a new American in the form of the Cadillac Lyriq.