Head-to-head
BMW iX3 vs BMW i5
At $109,900 the BMW iX3 undercuts the BMW i5 by $46,000 (30%) — but does the premium deliver enough of an edge to justify itself? Here's how the two compare on price, range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
BMW iX3
The all-new second-generation BMW iX3 (Neue Klasse) — a clean-sheet platform that targets industry-leading numbers. 805 km WLTP range and 400 kW DC fast charging are headline figures few rivals can match.
- From
- $109,900
- Range
- 805 km
- Battery
- 108.7 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 iX3 and BMW i5, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 goes 224 km further on a charge (805 vs 581 km WLTP).
- 2
DC charging · advantage BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 accepts 195 kW more DC peak charging (400 vs 205 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 3
Battery · advantage BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 carries a 27.5 kWh larger battery (108.7 vs 81.2 kWh).
- 4
Power · advantage BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 puts down 95 kW more (345 vs 250 kW).
- 5
Price · advantage BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 undercuts the BMW i5 by $46,000 (30%) on starting price.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the BMW iX3 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $46,000
- ▸ 224 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (4.9s vs 6s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (400 kW vs 205 kW)
Where the BMW i5 wins
Trails the BMW iX3 on the core specs we measure.
BMW iX3
What we like
- ✓ Class-leading 805 km WLTP range
- ✓ 400 kW DC charging is the highest figure in the segment
- ✓ Fresh Neue Klasse platform
What we don't
- ✕ ANCAP rating not yet established (testing due mid-2026)
- ✕ Pricing is a step above the older iX3
- ✕ Top numbers come from the larger battery variant
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 iX3 vs BMW i5
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BMW iX3 or the BMW i5?
- The BMW iX3 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $109,900 versus $155,900 for the BMW i5, a $46,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BMW iX3 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 805 km, 224 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 iX3 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 400 kW versus 205 kW for the BMW i5. 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 iX3 does 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds — 1.1 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 iX3 better value than the BMW i5?
- On paper the BMW iX3 is $46,000 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 iX3
if…
- ✓ you want to save $46,000 on the sticker
- ✓ maximum range matters (224 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
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.