BMW iX vs Kia EV5
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Kia EV5 scores higher, 71 vs 69
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 9 Nov 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
BMW iX
19 of 27 standard · no option data · 8 no dataFrom
$142,900
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 300kW
- Energy use
- 20 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2021
- Boot (seats up)
- 500L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Reference imageKia EV5
18 of 27 standard · no option data · 6 not offered · 3 no dataFrom
$56,770
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 160kW
- Energy use
- 18.2 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2024
- Boot (seats up)
- 513L
Top CarSorted Score, 71 vs 69
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
$142,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$56,770RRP
- cannot be matched: 360-Degree Camera, Head-Up Display, Wireless Phone Charging and 1 more not offered
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.
Price and cost per week
BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport
$142,900
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 24 June 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $638 a week in repayments ($142,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Kia EV5 Air Standard Range FWD
$56,770
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 6 Sept 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $239 a week in repayments ($56,770 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The Kia EV5 starts $86,130 lower on RRP.
The Kia EV5 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The BMW iX does not: above the $91,661 fuel-efficient lct threshold.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
CarSorted
Looking for your next car?
We help you research it, compare it and ask for a price.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$239/wk(≈$1,037/mo)
Estimate on the Kia EV5 at $56,770 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Kia EV5Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP lists the BMW iX at 5 stars (2021) and the Kia EV5 at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the BMW iX and 88% for the Kia EV5, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The BMW iX adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV5 misses.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 7 of 10 key systems on the BMW iX and 7 on the Kia EV5.
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.
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.
Kia EV5
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
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 a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum 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.
How long to charge
64.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW 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 Kia EV5 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW iX stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV5. The Kia EV5 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW iX gets vernasca leather upholstery while the Kia EV5 offers cloth & artificial leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW iX and 2-zone in the Kia EV5.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
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 Kia EV5 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The BMW iX has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW iX is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 94.8kWh (BMW iX) vs 64.2kWh (Kia EV5), giving WLTP ranges of 522km and 400km. DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (BMW iX) vs 150kW (Kia EV5).
Space & Comfort
The BMW iX measures 4,965mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 350mm longer than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW iX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the BMW iX and 513L in the Kia EV5, giving the Kia EV5 a 13L advantage.
For towing, the BMW iX leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 300kg. That 2,200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Kia EV5's turning circle is 1.1 m tighter, 11.7 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.
Cost to own
At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BMW iX costs about $960 a year (20 kWh/100km) and electricity for the Kia EV5 about $874 a year (18.2 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $86 a year less for the Kia EV5.
Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW iX) and 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV5).
Where each one leads
The BMW iX: more power (300kW against 160kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,500kg against 300kg).
The Kia EV5: the lower starting price ($56,770 against $142,900), the bigger boot with the seats up (513L against 500L), the longer warranty (7 years against 5) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($874 a year against $960).
The Verdict
Kia EV5 scores higher, 71 vs 69
The Kia EV5 scores 71 to the BMW iX's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 6 of the 11 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (BMW iX ahead by 36 points), technology (BMW iX ahead by 31 points), value (Kia EV5 ahead by 29 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Kia EV5 costs about $86 less (18.2 kWh/100km against 20 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Warranty: 5 years on the BMW iX, 7 on the Kia EV5.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$239/wk(≈$1,037/mo)
Estimate on the Kia EV5 at $56,770 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Kia EV5Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW iX and Kia EV5?
The Kia EV5 is the cheapest at $56,770 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX by $86,130.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BMW iX has the most range at 522km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW iX accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
BMW iX holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2021) and Kia EV5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV5 has the largest boot at 513L with the seats up (1,714L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The BMW iX has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / unlimited km.
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.
Track the BMW iX & Kia EV5
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
