X5 vs EX90
For midsize luxury suv shoppers, the X5 from BMW and the EX90 from Volvo are two of the obvious candidates. On the overall scorecard, the EX90 is ahead: 2 of 3 areas, with engine & performance doing the heavy lifting.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance EX90 wins
- Space & Practicality EX90 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.5
- 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
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The EX90 has room for 7 seats
At 7 seats versus 5 seats, this is a decisive lead for the EX90, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The EX90 has 170 lb-ft more torque
If torque is one of your priorities, this settles it: the EX90 leads clearly with 568 lb-ft to the X5’s 398 lb-ft. The EX90’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The EX90 has 27 hp more power
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the EX90 leads with 402 hp to 375 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
EX90 leads
In the engine & performance category, the EX90 isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The EX90 answers with 170 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. If this section decides it for you, choose the EX90.
Torque
X5: 398 lb-ft EX90: 568 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
X5: 375 hp EX90: 402 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
EX90 leads
The EX90 wins the space & practicality section decisively. The EX90 makes its case with room for 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. For space & practicality, the EX90 is the one to beat.
Seats
X5: 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
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the X5 and the EX90 row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X5 | EX90 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Electric |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | Dual electric motors |
| Total system output | 375 hp | 402 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft | 568 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X5 | EX90 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 310 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X5 | EX90 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 33.9 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 72.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X5 | EX90 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,200 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X5 | 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 EX90 if…
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (568 lb-ft vs 398 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (402 hp vs 375 hp)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X5 or the EX90?
On the specs compared here, the EX90 makes more sense for most buyers; the X5 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the X5 and the EX90 on their merits. What tips it for me is that the EX90 has room for 7 seats. Beyond that, 170 lb-ft more torque gives the EX90 another edge.
The X5 makes sense for anyone who values the things a spec sheet can’t capture; the EX90 for anyone who values engine & performance.
My pick: the EX90.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.