Head-to-head
BMW iX vs BMW i5
The BMW iX starts $13,000 (8%) below the BMW i5. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
BMW iX
BMW's electric flagship SUV — a polarising design with a cavernous, well-resolved cabin. Large 94.8 kWh battery, 602 km WLTP range, and one of the more pleasant premium EVs to drive.
- From
- $142,900
- Range
- 602 km
- Battery
- 94.8 kWh
Option B · Sedan
BMW i5
BMW's electric 5 Series sibling — sharing platform and body with the petrol 5er. The 581 km WLTP range puts it ahead of the Mercedes EQE; the AC charging at 22 kW is class-leading.
- From
- $155,900
- Range
- 581 km
- Battery
- 81.2 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the BMW iX and BMW i5, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Battery · advantage BMW iX
The BMW iX carries a 13.6 kWh larger battery (94.8 vs 81.2 kWh).
- 2
Power · advantage BMW iX
The BMW iX puts down 50 kW more (300 vs 250 kW).
- 3
Price · advantage BMW iX
The BMW iX undercuts the BMW i5 by $13,000 (8%) on starting price.
- 4
0–100 km/h · advantage BMW iX
The BMW iX is 0.9 s quicker to 100 km/h (5.1 s vs 6 s).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the BMW iX wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $13,000
- ▸ 21 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.1s vs 6s)
Where the BMW i5 wins
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (205 kW vs 200 kW)
BMW iX
What we like
- ✓ Strong real-world range and refinement
- ✓ Spacious, lounge-like cabin
- ✓ 5-star ANCAP rating
What we don't
- ✕ Divisive exterior styling (the grille)
- ✕ Heavy kerb weight hurts efficiency
- ✕ Premium pricing for top trims
BMW i5
What we like
- ✓ Strong 581 km WLTP range
- ✓ 22 kW three-phase AC charging is class-leading
- ✓ Cabin shares 5 Series quality and refinement
What we don't
- ✕ Heavy kerb weight hurts handling vs ICE 5er
- ✕ Premium pricing climbs fast with options
- ✕ Boot is sedan-shaped (no hatch opening)
Frequently asked: BMW iX vs BMW i5
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BMW iX or the BMW i5?
- The BMW iX is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $142,900 versus $155,900 for the BMW i5, a $13,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BMW iX has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 602 km, 21 km further than the BMW i5's 581 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The BMW i5 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 205 kW versus 200 kW for the BMW iX. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The BMW iX does 0–100 km/h in 5.1 seconds — 0.9 s quicker than the BMW i5's 6.0 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the BMW iX better value than the BMW i5?
- On paper the BMW iX is $13,000 cheaper AND beats the BMW i5 on most of the headline specs we measure — meaning by spec-sheet logic it's the stronger value play. What a spec sheet can't capture: brand prestige, dealer network depth, build feel, software polish, and likely resale.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
BMW iX
if…
- ✓ you want to save $13,000 on the sticker
- ✓ you match the profile: premium suv buyers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.