Reviewers Favor 2027 BMW iX5 Over Gas X5 After Comparative Drive
The electric model offers an estimated 450-mile range and 22-minute 10-80% charge times, though it costs $7,700 more than the base gas version.
The fifth-generation BMW X5 has arrived with multiple powertrain options, including a fully electric variant that InsideEVs reviewers found superior to the traditional gas model in a direct comparison.
What Happened
BMW’s new iX5, part of the company’s Neue Klasse lineup, features a 144 kWh battery pack, the largest ever fitted to a BMW production car. During a drive event in Southern California, reviewers tested both the iX5 and the gas-powered X5 40 xDrive. The iX5 delivers 570 horsepower and 594 lb-ft of torque via dual-motor AWD, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, compared to 4.8 seconds for the gas model. While initial specifications targeted an EPA range of 435 miles, BMW representatives updated the estimate to 450 miles. The vehicle utilizes an 800-volt architecture capable of charging at up to 460 kilowatts, allowing a 10-80% recharge in 22 minutes.
Why It Matters
The iX5 represents a significant shift for BMW, as the X5 and X3 models are its best-selling vehicles in the United States. Priced at $79,800 plus destination, the iX5 is $7,700 more expensive than the base gas X5, but offers features like bidirectional charging for vehicle-to-home backup and a lower center of gravity due to the floor-mounted battery. The interior features a new 'Panoramic Vision' display that spans the dashboard, providing high-contrast information without relying on a traditional head-up display. Although the gas X5 provides the auditory feedback of a combustion engine, the review noted that the electric model offers more immediate power delivery and a quieter, more comfortable ride, potentially swaying buyers who might otherwise default to internal combustion.
The Bottom Line
The 2027 BMW iX5 is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships in early 2027, while the gas-powered X5 is rolling out starting this month. With its extended range, rapid charging capabilities, and refined driving dynamics, the iX5 presents a compelling alternative for buyers willing to pay a premium for electric performance.
