BMW iX3 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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.
BMW iX3: we're still completing ground clearance, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW iX3 starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 opens at $68,200. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the more affordable entry point by $41,700.
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 $120,890 and $75,020 respectively.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW iX3 does not: above the $91,661 fuel-efficient lct threshold.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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
82.6kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 400kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 400kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
84kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.5kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW iX3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 counters with Apple CarPlay and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW iX3 gets artificial leather upholstery while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 offers wool blend / leather-appointed combination.
Drivetrain
The BMW iX3 uses a Electric producing 345kW and 645Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a single-speed reduction gear driving the rear wheels.
The BMW iX3 has the clear power advantage at 345kW vs 168kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 82.6kWh (BMW iX3) vs 84kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5), giving WLTP ranges of 805km and 570km.
Space & Comfort
The BMW iX3 measures 4,782mm long on a 2,897mm wheelbase, 127mm longer than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 4,655mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the BMW iX3 and 520L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.6 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
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 iX3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW iX3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW iX3 and Hyundai IONIQ 5?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheapest at $68,200 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX3 by $41,700.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BMW iX3 has the most range at 805km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW iX3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 400kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
BMW iX3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Hyundai IONIQ 5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX3 makes the most power at 345kW.
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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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