VS
At a Glance
Power
300 kW
230 kW
Torque
700 Nm
450 Nm
Fuel
17.9-21.8 kWh/100 km l/100km
1.9 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
2700 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.1 s
4.8 s
Engine
electric cc
2998 cc
Choosing between the BMW iX and the BMW X5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW iX delivers 300 kW while the BMW X5 produces 230 kW. On fuel, the iX returns 17.9-21.8 kWh/100 km l/100km while the X5 uses 1.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 249 000 for the iX and R1 977 000 for the X5. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
300 kW
230 kW
Torque
700 Nm
450 Nm
0-100 kph
5.1 s
4.8 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2998 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
6
Fuel Type
electric
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
17.9-21.8 kWh/100 km l/100km
1.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
94.3 kWh l
69 l
CO2 Emissions
—
41 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4965 mm
4935 mm
Width
1970-2230 mm
2004-2218 mm
Height
1695 mm
1755 mm
Wheelbase
3000 mm
2975 mm
Ground Clearance
202 mm
214 mm
Kerb Weight
2450 DIN / 2525 EU Kg
2420 DIN / 2495 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
500-1750 l
500-1720 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2700 Kg
Load Capacity
650 l
780 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
iX
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
X5
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
BMW iX
More powerful engine (300 kW)
Higher starting price
BMW X5
Lower starting price (R1 977 000)
Higher towing capacity (2700 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.8 ss)
Less power than rival (230 kW vs 300 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the iX or X5?
The iX uses 17.9-21.8 kWh/100 km l/100km and the X5 uses 1.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the iX or X5?
The iX produces 300 kW and 700 Nm of torque while the X5 delivers 230 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The iX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the iX and X5?
The iX starts from R2 249 000 and the X5 from R1 977 000. The X5 is cheaper by R272 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the iX or X5?
The iX has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the X5 can tow 2700 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the iX or the X5?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.