Yes, the extra $7,700 BMW wants for the iX5 over the gas-powered X5 40 xDrive is money well spent. That’s true if you can charge at home. The electric version isn’t just greener. It’s quicker, quieter, and hauls more torque than the inline-six it sits next to on the showroom floor.
BMW just rolled out the fifth-generation X5 alongside its first fully electric version. The pricing gap between them is smaller than most buyers probably expect. The redesigned gas X5 40 xDrive starts at $73,550. The all-electric iX5 60 xDrive opens at $81,250, a $7,700 difference BMW itself has flagged for shoppers comparing the two.
What exactly do you get for $7,700 more with the BMW iX5 vs X5?
You get a lot more than just a plug. The iX5 swaps the X5’s turbocharged six-cylinder for dual electric motors making 570 horsepower and roughly 593 lb-ft of torque. The gas model makes 394 horsepower and 428 lb-ft. BMW also claims up to 435 miles of range and a sub-4.5-second sprint to 60 mph.
That’s a meaningful jump in both power and range. And it comes for a relatively small price increase on an $80,000 vehicle. BMW built the iX5 on its new Neue Klasse electric architecture. It’s the same 800-volt platform underpinning the iX3, which allows for genuinely fast charging rather than the compromised speeds older BMW EVs dealt with.
| Spec | 2027 X5 40 xDrive (Gas) | 2027 iX5 60 xDrive (EV) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $73,550 | $81,250 |
| Powertrain | 3.0L turbo I6, 48V mild hybrid | Dual-motor AWD, electric |
| Horsepower | 394 hp | 570 hp |
| Torque | 428 lb-ft | ~593 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | ~5.5 sec (est.) | ~4.4-4.7 sec |
| Range/Fuel | ~25 mpg combined (est.) | Up to 435 miles |
| Charging/Fueling | Gas station | 10-80% in ~22 min (460 kW) |
Is the BMW iX5’s 435-mile range actually enough?
For nearly every driver, yes. That’s 435 miles of multi-state road tripping without range anxiety. BMW’s 800-volt charging architecture means a 20-minute stop can add well over 150 miles back. European WLTP testing even suggested the European-spec version could stretch past 500 miles on a charge.
That kind of range puts the iX5 ahead of most rivals it’ll actually compete against. That list includes the Volvo EX90, Cadillac Vistiq, and Porsche Cayenne Electric. Early drive reviews tested both the gas X5 and the iX5 back-to-back. Most came away favoring the electric version for everyday driving, citing a quieter cabin and more immediate power delivery.
Does the iX5 cost less to actually own than the gas X5?
Over five years, the iX5 likely costs less to fuel and maintain. Electricity is generally cheaper per mile than gas, and EVs skip oil changes entirely. They also have fewer moving parts to wear out. The catch is charging access. Without a home charger, those savings shrink fast.
If you’re trying to figure out whether that math actually pencils out for your situation, our full guide on EV total cost of ownership walks through real numbers. It covers electricity costs, maintenance, and depreciation side by side with gas vehicles. It’s worth running before you sign anything at this price point.
Who should still buy the gas X5 instead?
Some buyers are better served by the gas X5 40 xDrive. That includes anyone towing heavy trailers regularly, driving long rural routes without reliable charging, or lacking a way to charge at home. The X5 50e plug-in hybrid also exists, starting at $78,950, and splits the difference nicely.
The PHEV also makes sense if you want some electric-only commuting without fully committing to an EV. It won’t match the iX5’s power or range. But it removes charging anxiety entirely for longer trips.
How does the iX5 compare to other electric luxury SUVs?
BMW is positioning the iX5 against the Rivian R1S, Lucid Gravity, Porsche Cayenne Electric, Cadillac Vistiq, Volvo EX90, and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Among that group, the iX5’s combination of range, charging speed, and horsepower is genuinely competitive. It’s not just adequate.
If resale value matters to you, it’s worth checking how electric models in this class have actually held up. And with a luxury SUV, it should matter. Our breakdown of EV resale value in 2026 covers which premium EVs are holding their value. It also flags which ones are depreciating faster than buyers expected.
Shoppers weighing a bigger price jump for a bigger EV might also want to see a similar calculation play out elsewhere. Check how Tesla’s Model Y L compares against the standard Model Y. That “pay more for more range and power” question keeps showing up across the industry this year.
So is the BMW iX5 vs X5 decision actually close?
Not really. For $7,700 more, the iX5 delivers nearly 45% more horsepower. It also adds more torque and genuine road-trip-ready range, all wrapped in BMW’s newest tech. Unless towing or charging access rules it out, the electric version is the smarter buy.
Both versions go on sale in early 2027. The gas X5 arrived first this past October. That staggered rollout gives shoppers a few extra months. You can watch real-world EPA range numbers land before the iX5 hits dealer lots. That’s worth doing before putting down a deposit. More details on the official rollout are available on BMW’s own press materials.
FAQ
When does the 2027 BMW iX5 go on sale?
BMW expects the iX5 60 xDrive to reach U.S. dealers in the first quarter of 2027. That’s a few months after the redesigned gas X5 launches.
Is the iX5 only available in one trim?
At launch, yes. BMW is offering a single iX5 60 xDrive configuration with dual motors and all-wheel drive. A hydrogen-powered version is planned for later.
Does the iX5 qualify for any federal EV tax credit?
Credit eligibility depends on assembly location and battery sourcing rules. Those rules change frequently, so check current IRS guidance closer to the iX5’s on-sale date rather than relying on last year’s rules.
How does the iX5 compare to the smaller BMW iX3?
The iX5 is larger, more powerful, and pricier than the iX3. Both share the same Neue Klasse electric architecture, though. They also have similar EPA range estimates around the 430-mile mark.