BMW iX1 U11 vs BMW X5 G05

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

The fourth-generation X5 (G05), on the CLAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X5

Pick the X5 for a luxurious cabin, strong engines and generous space in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The xDrive30d (diesel) or xDrive40i (petrol).

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs B58 40i · Petrol

	BMW iX1	BMW X5
Power	313 hp	340 hp Winner
Torque	494 Nm Winner	450 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,6 s	5,5 s Winner
Top speed	180 km/h	243 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t	159,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	198 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	8,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	BMW X5
Boot	490 L	650 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L	1.870 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,69 m	2,98 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	21,4 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m Winner	12,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	BMW X5
Platform	FAAR (electric)	CLAR (longitudinal)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)	B58 3.0 petrol · B57 3.0 diesel · 45e PHEV
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed Steptronic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX1

OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use

BMW X5

Transfer case (xDrive) needs maintenance
Air suspension (if fitted)
Cooling system/EGR on diesels

Pros

BMW iX1

Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive

BMW X5

Luxurious, premium interior
Strong B57/B58 engines
Light, stiff CLAR body

Cons

BMW iX1

DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Driving experience

BMW iX1

Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.

BMW X5

Luxurious, composed and surprisingly agile for its size. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the X5 hides its bulk through bends with real composure. xDrive delivers tenacious all-weather grip and a reassuringly planted feel. Air suspension, where fitted, spans cushioned to firmly controlled and irons out rough roads. The B58 petrols are smooth and muscular, the B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive45e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, capable luxury SUV that feels smaller and sharper than it is.