BMW iX3 G08 vs BMW X5 G05

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

The first-generation iX3 (G08), BMW’s electric mid-size SUV on the X3’s CLAR platform.

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

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

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX3

Pick the G08 for the electric X3 with a single rear motor, ~74 kWh usable battery and up to ~500 km WLTP range.

Best engine: The iX3 (286 hp, rear-wheel drive) — the only powertrain.

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

iX3 · Electric vs B58 40i · Petrol

	BMW iX3	BMW X5
Power	286 hp	340 hp Winner
Torque	400 Nm	450 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	6,8 s	5,5 s Winner
Top speed	180 km/h	243 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	131,2 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 iX3	BMW X5
Boot	510 L	650 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.560 L	1.870 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m	2,98 m Winner
Length	4,73 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	17,9 cm	21,4 cm
Turning circle	12,1 m Winner	12,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX3	BMW X5
Platform	CLAR (electric)	CLAR (longitudinal)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)	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 iX3

12V battery issues (occasional reports)
Parking-sensor/camera faults and interior rattles
Higher tyre wear due to weight and torque

BMW X5

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

Pros

BMW iX3

Facelift (2021) brought better efficiency and range
~74 kWh net battery with 471–505 km WLTP (post-facelift)
DC fast charging up to 150 kW (10–80% in ~32–34 min)

BMW X5

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

Cons

BMW iX3

Rear-wheel drive only, no xDrive
No frunk, despite the EV concept

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Driving experience

BMW iX3

The iX3 is refined and composed rather than playful. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels stable and secure at speed. Ride quality is firm but generally well-controlled — better than many early EVs on adaptive suspension, though larger wheels and the M Sport suspension make it busier over poor surfaces. Instant torque makes it quick off the line, and the single-motor rear-drive layout gives balanced, predictable handling without the artificial feel of some dual-motor systems. Cabin noise is low; wind and tyre roar are the main sounds at motorway speeds. Regenerative braking is strong and well-calibrated (one-pedal driving is possible). Overall it drives like a polished, slightly firmer X3 with electric silence and response — competent and relaxing rather than involving.

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.