iX vs Discovery
It’s BMW against Land Rover in the midsize luxury suv class, and the iX and the Discovery are the models carrying each flag. The iX and the Discovery split the honors, with engine & performance going to the iX and space & practicality going to the Discovery.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance iX wins
- Space & Practicality Discovery wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.2
- Engine & Performance1.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The iX has 220 hp more power
A clear win for the iX: 516 hp against 296 hp. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Discovery has room for 7 seats
Here the Discovery pulls well ahead of the iX, with 7 seats compared to 5 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
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The iX has 269 lb-ft more torque
The iX doesn’t just edge this one; 564 lb-ft against 295 lb-ft is a lead you’ll feel. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
iX leads
The iX clearly takes the engine & performance round. On its side, the iX has 220 hp more power. The iX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Net result: the iX leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
iX: 516 hp Discovery: 296 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
iX: 564 lb-ft Discovery: 295 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Discovery leads
The Discovery is the clear pick if space & practicality is what you care about most. The Discovery takes this one with room for 7 seats. The Discovery has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Discovery has the edge.
Seats
iX: 5 seats Discovery: 7 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the iX and the Discovery each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | iX | Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Gas |
| Engine | Dual electric motors | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 516 hp (winner) | 296 hp |
| Torque | 564 lb-ft (winner) | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | AWD (4WD) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | iX | Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Electric range | 309 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | iX | Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 35.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 77.9 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | iX | Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 8,201 lb Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | iX | Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iX if…
- you want more power (516 hp vs 296 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (564 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around BMW’s products
Choose the Discovery if…
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you trust Land Rover and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the iX or the Discovery?
There’s no single right answer. The iX leads on engine & performance and the Discovery on space & practicality.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the iX and the Discovery. The iX wins me over with 220 hp more power. I’ll admit the Discovery has a point with room for 7 seats.
Your priorities do the choosing here: engine & performance points to the iX, space & practicality to the Discovery.
My pick: it depends. Go for the iX if engine & performance comes first for you, or the Discovery if space & practicality does.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.