BMW iX1 vs Mercedes-Benz EQA

Side-by-Side Specs

Charging Speed

The BMW iX1 has a peak DC charging speed of 128 kW, which is roughly 25% faster than the Mercedes-Benz EQA at 102 kW. In practice, peak speed only tells part of the story. The charging curve, battery temperature, and state of charge all affect how quickly your car actually charges.

Both cars use 400V architecture, so their charging curves should follow similar patterns. The difference in peak speed comes down to battery chemistry, thermal management, and the onboard charger design.

For the 10-80% charge (the most common DC fast charging scenario), the BMW iX1 finishes in about 33 minutes, which is 2 minutes quicker than the Mercedes-Benz EQA at 35 minutes. On a road trip, that difference adds up over multiple stops.

Range and Efficiency

The Mercedes-Benz EQA offers 420 km of real-world range, which is 40 km more than the BMW iX1 at 380 km. These are real-world estimates, not WLTP numbers. Expect your actual range to vary with speed, weather, terrain, and driving style.

Efficiency matters more than battery size for daily driving costs. The Mercedes-Benz EQA consumes 168 Wh/km, compared to 170 Wh/km for the BMW iX1. That means the Mercedes-Benz EQA uses less energy per kilometer, which translates to lower charging costs and fewer charging stops on longer drives.

A more efficient car does not always mean more range. Battery size plays a role too. The Mercedes-Benz EQA has a 70.5 kWh useable battery , while the BMW iX1 has 64.7 kWh.

Cold Weather Charging

Both the BMW iX1 and Mercedes-Benz EQA come with a heat pump as standard, which helps preserve range in cold weather by heating the cabin more efficiently.

Battery preconditioning is equally important for winter DC fast charging. When the battery is cold, charging speeds drop significantly. Both cars support preconditioning, which warms the battery before you arrive at a fast charger so you get closer to peak charging speed.

In cold conditions, expect 20-35% range loss compared to ideal weather. Cars with both a heat pump and preconditioning typically handle winter better overall.

Which One Should You Choose?

If fast charging speed is your priority, the BMW iX1 has the edge with 128 kW peak DC and a 33-minute 10-80% time. For long road trips with multiple charging stops, that faster turnaround makes a real difference.

If you mostly charge at home or at work and care more about daily driving costs, the Mercedes-Benz EQA is the more efficient choice at 168 Wh/km. Lower consumption means lower electricity bills over time.

For maximum range between charges, the Mercedes-Benz EQA gives you 420 km of real-world range, which is 40 km more. Both are capable EVs. The best choice depends on how you charge and how far you drive.