iX vs EX90
It’s BMW against Volvo in the midsize luxury suv class, and the iX and the EX90 are the models carrying each flag. The honest headline: the iX and the EX90 are evenly matched in most of the areas we compared.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance iX wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality EX90 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.2
- Engine & Performance5.6
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 114 hp more power
For total system output, the iX leads by a wide margin: 516 hp versus 402 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The EX90 has room for 7 seats
This is a headline difference. With 7 seats to the iX’s 5 seats, the EX90 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
iX leads
When it comes to engine & performance, the iX is comfortably ahead. The iX takes this one with 114 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. For engine & performance, the iX is the one to beat.
Total system output
iX: 516 hp EX90: 402 hp The iX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the fuel economy & range section; the two are too close to separate. The takeaway: fuel economy & range is not where these two differ.
Space & Practicality
EX90 leads
On space & practicality, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the EX90. The EX90 has the edge with room for 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. If space & practicality is your priority, the EX90 is the car to pick.
Seats
iX: 5 seats EX90: 7 seats The EX90 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
In the off-road & towing category, the iX and the EX90 land in almost the same place. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the iX’s and the EX90’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | iX | EX90 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric |
| Engine | Dual electric motors | Dual electric motors |
| Total system output | 516 hp (winner) | 402 hp |
| Torque | 564 lb-ft | 568 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | iX | EX90 |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 309 mi | 310 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | iX | EX90 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | EX90 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | iX | EX90 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 402 hp)
- you already use other BMW products
Choose the EX90 if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you prefer staying with Volvo
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the iX or the EX90?
Neither wins outright. Choose the iX if engine & performance matters most, or the EX90 if space & practicality does.
Which has better battery life, the iX or the EX90?
Neither has a meaningful advantage. The iX and the EX90 are rated close enough that your usage will matter more than the spec sheet.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the iX and the EX90, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. I keep coming back to one thing: the iX gets 114 hp more power. The EX90’s strongest argument is room for 7 seats.
If you’d rather have strength in engine & performance, go with the iX. If space & practicality is what you’d miss, go with the EX90.
My pick: there’s no single winner, so choose the iX for engine & performance or the EX90 for space & practicality.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.