The BMW iX1 has taken the top spot as Australia’s best small electric SUV in the 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards.
This compact EV outperformed its close relative, the Mini Countryman, and edged out the newly introduced Kia EV3 to claim the honor.
As BMW’s most affordable electric model, the iX1 received high marks from the CarExpert panel. Judges praised its advanced technology and lively driving experience. Despite housing a heavy battery, the iX1 remains agile on the road and delivers the instant acceleration that drivers expect from electric vehicles.
While it doesn’t offer the same interior space as the lower-priced Tesla Model Y, the iX1 stands out for its premium design. Both the interior and exterior showcase the brand’s signature luxury, giving buyers a familiar BMW experience rather than something experimental.
Launched in Australia in 2023, the iX1 is the fully electric version of BMW’s third-generation X1. It was later joined by the sportier, coupe-style iX2.
The iX1 competes in a crowded market that includes rivals such as the Mini Countryman, Mercedes-Benz EQA, and Volvo’s EX30 and EX40.