BMW iX vs BMW X5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$142,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$137,600RRP
- with the BMW iX's standard kit: $137,600 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW iX starts from $142,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW X5 opens at $137,600. That makes the BMW X5 the more affordable entry point by $5,300.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $157,190 and $151,360 respectively.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
BMW iX
- REC-005560 · published 10 Nov 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the high voltage battery may not meet specifications and could discharge or in some instances lead to a vehicle fire.Year range on the notice: 2022
- REC-005503 · published 23 Aug 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the high voltage battery does not meet specifications and may result in an electrical short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-005490 · published 1 Aug 2022Due to a software issue with the airbag control unit, the airbag warning lamp and warning message may not be illuminated in the instrument cluster as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- 1 more on the model page.
BMW X5
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006539 · published 17 Feb 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- REC-006090 · published 2 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, a component of the brake booster system may have been incorrectly welded and could break.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- 8 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
105.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 175kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 175kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW iX features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW X5 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The BMW X5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW iX gets vernasca leather upholstery while the BMW X5 offers sensatec synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW iX and 2-zone in the BMW X5.
Drivetrain
The BMW iX uses a Electric producing 300kW and 700Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds.
The BMW X5 responds with a Diesel making 219kW and 670Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The BMW iX has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 219kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW iX is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW iX measures 4,965mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 30mm longer than the BMW X5 at 4,935mm (2,975mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW iX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the BMW iX and 650L in the BMW X5, giving the BMW X5 a 150L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X5 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.7m to 12.8m
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW iX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (58 vs 68). The BMW iX and BMW X5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the BMW X5 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW iX and BMW X5?
The BMW X5 is the cheapest at $137,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX by $5,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X5 uses the least fuel at 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
BMW iX holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for BMW X5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X5 has the largest boot at 650L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX makes the most power at 300kW. The BMW iX is quickest to 100km/h in 5.1s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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