New BMW iX5 first drive: 18 kWh/100 km at 100 km/h, or about 780 km of real-world range
The "OnlyBimmers" channel drove the new petrol BMW X5 and the electric iX5 at the Spartanburg plant. At 100 km/h and 35 °C, the iX5 used 18 kWh/100 km.
The new BMW X5 has had its first drive, and the most interesting version is the electric iX5 60 xDrive. Thomas Majchrzak of the "OnlyBimmers" channel (the BMW channel of "Autogefühl") drove the petrol X5 and the iX5 back to back at BMW's Spartanburg plant in the US, where both are built.
The efficiency test
On the highway at about 100 km/h and 35 °C, the iX5 used 18 kWh/100 km. With its 141 kWh net battery, that works out to roughly 780 km of real-world range, extrapolated from consumption rather than driven in full. Thomas calls these near-ideal conditions: the heat means the battery needs no warming and the speed is moderate. In winter or at 130–140 km/h on the motorway, the figure will be lower. The test cars are pre-production vehicles.
Officially, BMW quotes a provisional WLTP range of 645–845 km for the iX5 60 xDrive, 578 hp, 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, an 800 V system and DC charging at up to 460 kW (10–80% in 23 minutes).
What differs between the X5 and iX5
- Quietness: the iX5 gets laminated acoustic glass front and rear as standard; petrol and diesel X5s do not. It also has active noise cancellation, which can be switched off.
- Wheels: with 22-inch wheels, tyres grow to 255 front and 275 rear. For maximum range, Thomas recommends the 21-inch wheels.
- Boot: 655 litres in the iX5, 650 in the petrol X5, 525 in the plug-in hybrid.
- Assistance: Highway Assistant ran hands-free and changed lanes on its own without issues.
The petrol X5 (3.0-litre six-cylinder) felt more refined than the previous generation, but the iX5 was quieter and calmer on the highway.
Combustion X5s reach Europe in late November, with the iX5 following in early 2027. Romanian prices have not been announced. In Belgium, the iX5 60 xDrive starts at €102,500 including VAT.
