New BMW iX1 vs Mercedes-Benz EQA vs Volvo XC40 – Cheapest electric crossovers in South Africa

Pricing has dropped for the new BMW iX1, the automaker’s most affordable electric vehicle (EV) in South Africa.

The BMW has two other battery-powered crossovers directly in its sights, the first being from none other than its biggest rival Mercedes-Benz in the form of the EQA 250, and the other from Volvo’s XC40 P6.

High-end electric crossovers

The iX1, EQA 250, and XC40 P6 are the three most affordable electric crossovers in South Africa, with only one EV coming in below them, this being the Mini Cooper SE hatchback.

The battery-electric crossovers are neck-and-neck in various categories, including size, equipment, performance, as well as the big one, price:

• BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine- R1,140,000
• Mercedes-Benz EQA250 Progressive – R1,174,000
• Volvo XC40 P6 Recharge Plus – R1,075,000

In each, interested buyers can look forward to a host of nice-to-haves including leather upholsteries, climate control, keyless entry and start, automatic LED lights, cruise control, a reverse camera, a digital driver’s cluster, and a touchscreen infotainment system.

As they are so equal in cost and features, brand preference will likely play a big role in the purchasing decision, as well as performance.

While only you can decide which manufacturer you like most, see below how the battery-motivated mini-SUVs stack up against one another in terms of power, speed, driving range, and charging capabilities.

Power and drive

Acceleration and top speed

Battery and range

Charging speed