Video: BMW iX EV vs BMW X5 PHEV Drag Race – PHEV or Full EV?



Here it is! The much awaited, first AutoBuzz.my drag race of 2022. And since you guys like it so much, we’re making this one even more special than before. Not only did we sneak onto the Sepang International Circuit‘s main straight, we also took this opportunity to answer one of the most debated topics on the internet: are electric vehicles really faster than petrol-powered (hybrid) cars?

Helpful as ever, BMW Malaysia loaned us one each of the iX xDrive40 and X5 xDrive45e to help answer the question. And to help even things out, we even switched out the tyres on both cars for a set of Bridgestone Alenza SUV rubbers… but with one key difference – The ones on the fully-electric BMW iX are equipped with Bridgestone’s Enliten technology.

Bridgestone’s Enliten tyres are specifically designed – in line with EVs – to reduce the overall vehicle’s CO2 emissions. Not only do they reduce the rolling resistance by up to 20%, they’re also up to 10% lighter than its non-Enliten counterparts, which also helps with the vehicle’s handling and stability performance – all of these, with no trade-off on tyre wear life.

Now, for some numbers. The fully-electric BMW iX xDrive40, driven by our resident EV advocate Dominic, is powered by two electric motors – one on each axle – for a total power output of 326 hp and 630 Nm. The BMW X5 xDrive45e, meanwhile, gets a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine paired to an electric motor for a total system output of 394 hp and 600 Nm.

RELATED: BMW iX xDrive40 fully-electric SUV review

Looking at the numbers, it’s fair to assume that the PHEV BMW X5 will probably pull ahead, since it has a much higher horsepower figure. But on the flipside, the iX does have a higher (and instant) torque output. Which of these two cars will charge ahead (pun fully intended, thank you) and take the win? Watch the video above to find out!