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BMW i5 vs BMW iX3 comparison

Compare performance (601 HP vs 469 HP), boot space and price (60,800 £ vs 54,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW i5 or BMW iX3?

BMW i5 vs BMW iX3: Key differences

BMW i5

  • clearly more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
details

BMW iX3

4.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • moderately cheaper
  • marginally more efficient
  • noticeably more electric range
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

i5

BMW i5 VS BMW iX3 — executive electric saloon meets efficient electric SUV

BMW i5 VS BMW iX3 sets up two very different ideas of what an electric BMW can be: the i5 as a composed executive saloon and the iX3 as a roomy, efficiency‑focused SUV. The i5 plays the traditional 5‑Series role—calmer on long runs, weighty in presence and dressed up inside—while the iX3 pitches a more pragmatic package with SUV practicality and a focus on rapid, low‑effort travel. Buyers will immediately feel the contrast in purpose: one is built around cabin serenity and executive image, the other around usable space and short, efficient charging stops. This page teases out those everyday differences so you can match the car to how you actually drive, live and park. The technical comparison that follows will explain how those real‑world behaviors are engineered, but here we focus on what each car feels like day to day.

iX3

Character and driving dynamics

The BMW i5 feels like a traditional executive cruiser—taut steering, composed suspension and a deliberate, assured demeanor that rewards steady speed and confident inputs. By contrast the BMW iX3 surprises for an SUV: it leans into agility, with sharper turn‑in and a livelier character that makes lane changes and mountain roads more engaging. That liveliness in the iX3 comes paired with a driving philosophy tuned for efficiency and quick recovery between charging stops, whereas the i5 emphasises insulation from road noise and long‑distance calm. If you want a car that politely disappears at motorway speeds choose the i5; if you want an SUV that still feels sporty and responsive, the iX3 is the better fit.

i5

Comfort, cabin feel and technology

Step into the BMW i5 and the impression is classic premium: thickly bolstered seats, high‑grade materials and an interior that feels intentionally composed for the front occupants. The BMW iX3 takes a more modern tack with a wide panoramic display and stronger voice assistance, giving the cabin a tech‑forward ambience that some will find fresher and others slightly less tactile. Both cabins are quiet and refined, but the i5 trades on traditional luxury touches and seating ergonomics while the iX3 trades on space, visibility and a futuristic control layout. Note that both models push climate controls into touchscreens to different degrees, so if you prefer physical knobs neither car is ideal without adapting to their interfaces.

iX3

Usability and everyday practicality

The BMW iX3 clearly wins the practicality argument for families and frequent loaders: an SUV footprint, a usable frunk and a flatter floor give it a clear edge for bulky items and towing needs. The BMW i5 as a saloon is perfectly fine for regular luggage but its trunk access and lack of a front storage bay make loading large, awkward items less straightforward—unless you opt for the Touring variant, which changes the calculus. Rear middle‑seat comfort and a broad centre tunnel are more limiting in the i5 when you carry five adults, whereas the iX3’s second row feels roomier and more appropriate for long trips. Put simply: if cargo flexibility and easy loading matter every day, the iX3 answers that need; if you prioritise polished rear‑seat comfort for four, the i5 keeps its appeal.

i5

City friendliness versus long‑distance behavior

In town the BMW iX3 generally feels easier to live with—the upright seating improves forward visibility and the SUV packaging makes ingress and egress more convenient despite its width. The BMW i5, with its longer footprint and executive proportions, is less nimble in tight parking and urban garages even when rear‑steering options are fitted. On long trips the i5 delivers an especially serene cabin and seat comfort that favours uninterrupted stretches, while the iX3 turns long‑distance travel into a series of shorter, less stressful charging stops thanks to its quicker top‑up capability and hands‑off motorway aids. If your life is mixed—short urban hops and frequent motorway runs—the iX3 reduces travel friction; if you mostly do long motorway miles and want maximal on‑board calm, the i5 rewards that choice.

iX3

Which buyer suits which car — trade‑offs and next steps

If you’re choosing between the BMW i5 and the BMW iX3 the decision boils down to a set of concrete trade‑offs: pick the i5 for executive presence, superior front‑seat ergonomics and a quieter, more luxurious saloon experience; pick the iX3 for everyday practicality, faster recovery on long trips and a more modern, spacious family cockpit. The i5 carries a premium image and finishes that suit company cars or buyers who prize cabin polish, while the iX3 offers a more workaday efficiency and versatility that keeps running and charging stress lower. Read on to the technical comparison to see how battery, charging and drivetrain choices create these real‑world differences and to decide which trade‑offs align with your driving patterns.

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Mercedes GLB
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

i5

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

BMW iX3 is moderately cheaper – starting at 54,300 £ , while the BMW i5 costs 60,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,429 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BMW iX3 is marginally more efficient: consuming 14.6 kWh/100km compared to 14.7 kWh/100km for the BMW i5. That’s a difference of about 0.1 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BMW iX3 offers noticeably more range – reaching up to 805 km, about 178 km more than the BMW i5.

iX3

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW i5 offers clearly more power – delivering 601 HP compared to 469 HP. That’s roughly 132 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW i5 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the BMW iX3 takes 4.9 s. That’s about 1.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW i5 delivers markedly more torque with 820 Nm compared to 645 Nm. That’s about 175 Nm more.

i5

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW i5 is marginally lighter – 2,195 kg compared to 2,360 kg. The difference is around 165 kg.

When it comes to payload, the BMW i5 carries a bit more – 545 kg compared to 465 kg. That’s a difference of about 80 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW i5 is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £60,800
i5

BMW i5

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 340 - 601 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 14.7 - 17.1 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 540 - 627 km
details
BMW i5
BMW iX3

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW i5

The BMW i5 swaps predictable executive-car manners for a confident electric vibe, marrying refined comfort with surprisingly engaging steering. It’s a practical choice that doesn’t feel dull, offering the kind of clean, premium experience that makes commuting feel like a small indulgence.

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Reviews BMW i5

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

BMW iX3

The BMW iX3 is an electric SUV that delivers the composed, premium driving experience BMW buyers expect. With a calm, refined cabin and practical everyday usability, it’s a strong choice for those who want electric motoring without giving up luxury and comfort.

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Reviews BMW iX3

4.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
Johan
20 Sept 2025, 16:15:37

Nice range, fast charging and… bidirectional charging!!

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BMW iX3

Costs and Consumption
Price
60,800 - 85,900 £
Price
54,300 - 66,300 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.7 - 17.1 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.6 - 15.1 kWh/100km
Electric Range
540 - 627 km
Electric Range
635 - 805 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,195 - 2,370 kg
Curb weight
2,360 kg
Trunk capacity
490 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,900 mm
Width
1,895 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
525 - 545 kg
Payload
465 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
340 - 601 HP
Power HP
320 - 469 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 5.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
430 - 820 Nm
Torque
500 - 645 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
250 - 442 kW
Power kW
235 - 345 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,023 - 2,024
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BMW
Brand
BMW
Is the BMW i5 offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW i5 is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.