The BMW iX1 eDrive20 drops to €38,730

The electric SUV from BMW, boasting 476 km of range, benefits from large discounts that make it cheaper than the Tesla Model Y.

A tit for tat. Manufacturers are watching each other and adjusting their commercial strategies in real-time based on their rivals. When Tesla chooses to raise the price of its entire Model Y range by 4000 euros, BMW as well as Ford, Skoda, and others choose to go on the offensive instead.

Thus, the very successful BMW iX1 eDrive20, with a very rational technical specification (not excessive power but 204 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque delivered to the front wheels), sees its price drop at dealerships. It’s important to note “at dealerships” because BMW only displays its new prices in its list of vehicles available in stock. Thus, we discover that the starting price now begins at 42,730 euros before the ecological bonus of 4,000 euros, resulting in a final price of 38,730 euros. This is 2,260 euros cheaper than a Tesla Model Y Propulsion. Naturally, the comparison is difficult as both present very sharp arguments against each other.

Finishing versus trunk space

We’ve already said pretty much everything about the Tesla Model Y Propulsion. Its performance (300 horsepower), its range (up to 455 km), and especially its two gigantic trunks (over 900 liters). But also its very “American” interior and exterior finish, its tire consumption, and its significant loss in residual value with prices that keep fluctuating. Finally, its replacement is imminent.

On the BMW side, the iX1 eDrive20 was introduced at the end of 2023 and its entry price was 46,990 euros. Thus, a first drop of nearly 4,300 euros is quite logical. Manufacturers have some leeway and can adjust prices as needed. The German brand is a true BMW, meaning it has an impeccable finish. It’s more traditional inside, lacking a large panoramic roof, but aside from that detail, it feels good for traveling.

And in this aspect, the BMW iX1 eDrive20 holds its own against the competition with a very low consumption (again, BMW’s expertise) of 15.4 kWh/100 km in mixed WLTP cycle. Thus, with its 64.78 kWh battery, the Munich model promises up to 475 kilometers of range. That’s more than the Tesla Model Y.

When it comes to charging, the peak reaches 130 kW on fast chargers (against 175 kW for the Tesla), but experience shows that these figures mean little. Charging depends on the charger, the battery temperature, its state of charge, and so on. Even with Tesla, the charging power often quickly drops below 100 kW, sometimes even to 60 kW. In this regard, the Long Range Propulsion version, with a different battery chemistry, is much more efficient with charging power of up to 250 kW.

The BMW takes its revenge in slow charging with up to 11 kW on board, compared to 7.4 kW for the Tesla. Ultimately, the Model Y Propulsion seems to be lagging behind today, and the new reference on the market could very well be the new KIA EV3 with its XXL range, also priced at 40,990 euros in the long-range version.

Tesla, and others, will quickly have to respond. And the big winner will be the consumer.