Buying advice · 7 min · By Vehilo ·
Used electric car for towing: i4, iX1 or Enyaq?
The listing mentions a towbar and you already own the caravan. If your combination requires a braked towing rating above 1,200 kg and up to 1,600 kg at a 12% gradient, we would investigate the BMW i4 eDrive40 first among these three variants. Up to 1,200 kg, the iX1 xDrive30 and Enyaq iV 80x also enter consideration. The remaining payload can then change the choice.
Three variants compared on the same basis
These historical manufacturer specifications support a used-car search in Germany. The 12% figure is the gradient condition attached to the rating, rather than blanket approval for every journey.
| Variant and specification date | Braked towing load at 12% | Car's maximum nose weight | Remaining payload after the included 75 kg driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW i4 eDrive40, G26; September 2021 | 1,600 kg | 75 kg | 480 kg, baseline |
| BMW iX1 xDrive30, U11; November 2022 | 1,200 kg | 75 kg | 495 kg, baseline |
| Škoda Enyaq iV 80x, excluding Sportline; 13 February 2023 | 1,200 kg | 75 kg | 365–553 kg, depending on configuration |
Sources: BMW i4, page 1, BMW iX1, page 1, Škoda Enyaq, pages 2–3.
The specified Enyaq also has a 1,400 kg rating at 8%. That conditional figure does not replace its 1,200 kg rating at 12%. This row establishes no figures for Sportline, Coupé or later 85x versions.
What the Enyaq's payload means for your choice
The published masses show how much capacity remains:
- i4: 2,605 kg maximum permitted mass − 2,125 kg EU kerb mass = 480 kg.
- iX1: 2,580 − 2,085 = 495 kg.
- Enyaq: 2,746 − 2,381 = 365 kg; using the lower stated kerb mass, 2,746 − 2,193 = 553 kg.
Each calculation already accounts for a 75 kg driver. BMW's DIN payloads of 555 and 570 kg use a different kerb-mass basis. Škoda's stated payload of 440–628 kg includes the driver; subtracting 75 kg gives the same 365–553 kg.
The declared Enyaq configurations span 188 kg, not a measured weight penalty for particular options. At the lower end, 365 kg must cover additional passengers, luggage and actual nose weight, adjusted for any difference from the included 75 kg driver.
For substantial holiday loads, we would pursue an 80x with documented payload towards the upper end. Insufficient capacity rules it out despite a suitable towing rating.
When to pursue the i4 or iX1
For the i4 eDrive40, payload still matters alongside its higher towing rating: 480 kg is the baseline. Rule out an individual car if its remaining capacity cannot accommodate your load.
The iX1 xDrive30, with its 495 kg baseline payload, is worth pursuing for towing requirements up to 1,200 kg. The 15 kg advantage over the i4 does not establish a better family car; equipment and actual load decide that. Insufficient confirmed towing capacity rules it out. These figures do not cover other iX1 powertrains.
Three seller questions before travelling
1. What braked towing load appears in field O.1 of the German registration document, and what additional conditions or gross train weight limits apply?
2. What mass applies to this equipment and any retrofits, and what documents identify the fitted towbar?
3. Can we check the trailer socket's operation together at the viewing?
Actual nose weight loads the car; the lowest permitted limit among car, coupling and trailer governs. The table's 75 kg figures are vehicle maxima, not measurements. Establish how nose weight is treated for your trailer type before using its entire weight as the required towing load. ADAC on nose weight.
Car, axle, trailer, coupling and train limits must all be satisfied. A gross train weight restriction can prevent loading both car and trailer to their individual limits simultaneously. Driving-licence entitlement also needs checking for the actual combination. ADAC on towing limits.
Include the holiday route in your choice
In spring 2022, ADAC covered 1,281 km with a Kia EV6 AWD and a 1,600 kg Dethleffs caravan. Its onboard computer displayed an average of 36.6 kWh/100 km. The journey report describes that combination, neither our three candidates' towing range nor today's charging network.
Turn it into a practical task: plan a typical towing trip. Can you reach the chargers while coupled, must you unhitch, and are alternatives available? Allow for weather, elevation changes and occupied chargers. If no workable charging plan fits your travel routine, we would reconsider the vehicle shortlist.
Continue with your own requirements
No offer yet? Vehilo Search Support turns your towing requirements, load and travel pattern into reasoned model directions, a written search plan and relevant follow-up questions.
Already have a listing? The free Vehilo First Look helps organise visible claims and missing evidence before a viewing.
Source review: 31 October 2026. Calculations use published manufacturer data; the individual combination's vehicle masses and nose weight still need establishing.