iX vs Cayenne
Put the iX next to the Cayenne and you have BMW and Porsche going after exactly the same midsize luxury suv crowd. Surprisingly little separates them. A handful of specs move the needle; the rest are rounding errors.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance iX wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.2
- Engine & Performance2.8
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
-
The iX has 168 hp more power
The iX’s 516 hp leaves the Cayenne’s 348 hp well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The iX has 195 lb-ft more torque
Not a close call. The iX lists 564 lb-ft and the Cayenne lists 369 lb-ft. That’s a substantial gap. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
iX leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the iX. The iX steps ahead thanks to 168 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. If engine & performance is your priority, the iX is the car to pick.
Total system output
iX: 516 hp Cayenne: 348 hp The iX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
iX: 564 lb-ft Cayenne: 369 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | iX | Cayenne |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Gas |
| Engine | Dual electric motors | 3.0L turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 516 hp (winner) | 348 hp |
| Torque | 564 lb-ft (winner) | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 8-speed automatic (Tiptronic S) |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | iX | Cayenne |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 17 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 23 mpg |
| Electric range | 309 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | iX | Cayenne |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| 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 | Cayenne |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 7,716 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | iX | Cayenne |
|---|---|---|
| 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 merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (516 hp vs 348 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (564 lb-ft vs 369 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how BMW does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the iX or the Cayenne?
On the specs compared here, the iX makes more sense for most buyers; the Cayenne doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
BMW or Porsche? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the iX versus the Cayenne. To me, the standout is that the iX offers 168 hp more power.
If your days lean on engine & performance, I’d pick the iX; if they lean on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Cayenne.
My pick: the iX.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.