Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs BMW iX3 vs Volvo XC40 Recharge: verdict and specifications

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 claims victory over its pricer competition from BMW and Volvo thanks to its spacious cabin, ultra-rapid charging capabilities and supremely comfortable ride quality

iX3 vs XC40 vs Ioniq 5

1st: Hyundai Ioniq 5 – 5.0 stars

It seems the Ioniq 5 is the car sent to prove the badge snobs wrong. Hyundai’s new electric family car not only undercuts both the iX3 and the XC40 Recharge in terms of the price, but its comfortable ride, boatloads of technology and ultra-rapid charging speed are what earn it top spot in this hotly contested triple test. Read our full review for more.

2nd: Volvo XC40 Recharge – 4.0 stars

Deciding between the remaining contenders in this test was tough. However, the Volvo is simply much less expensive per month then the BMW, despite the level of kit the XC40 Recharge comes with as standard. While it’s not quite as spacious as the iX3, it can still happily serve as a family hauler and the dual-motor setup in our test car provides stunning levels of performance. Read our full review for more.

3rd: BMW iX3 – 4.0 stars

It’s worth stating up front that the iX3 is an exceptionally good electric SUV, with all the qualities you’d expect from a BMW product: the quality of the interior is wonderful and it’s certainly the one from this comparison keen drivers will be making a beeline for. But it’s also the most expensive of the three, and when compared to the capabilities of its competition here, the iX3 can’t quite claim the top spot. Read our full review for more.

Specifications

CarHyundai Ioniq 5 Premium 73kWh RWDVolvo XC40 Recharge Twin ProBMW iX3 Premier Edition Pro
List price / price as tested£41,945 / £42,895£56,700 / £56,700£60,945 / £60,945
EngineSingle electric motorDual electric motorsSingle electric motor
TransmissionSingle-speed, rear-wheel driveSingle-speed, four-wheel driveSingle-speed, rear-wheel drive
Battery capacity (total / usable)73 / 72.6 kWh78 / 75 kWh80 / 74 kWh
Power / torque215bhp / 350Nm402bhp / 660Nm282bhp / 400Nm
0-62mph7.5 seconds4.9 seconds6.8 seconds
Top speed115mph112mph112mph
Annual electricity (12k/20k miles)£494 / £823£557 / £929£494 / £823
Charging speeds3.7 / 11 / 220kW3.7 / 11 / 150kW3.7 / 11 / 150kW
Charging times23h 15min / 10h 53min / 17min (10-80%)21h / 7h 30min / 40min (10-80%)22h 30min / 11h 45min / 27 min (10-80%)
Official range300 miles256 miles281 miles
On-test efficiency / range3.5m/kWh / 254 miles3.1m/kWh / 233 miles3.5m/kWh / 259 miles
Road tax / BiK / annual BiK for 20% taxpayer£0 / 1% / £84£0 / 1% / £113£0 / 1% / £129
Length / width / height / wheelbase4,635 / 1,890 / 1,605 / 3,000mm4,425 / 1,910 / 1,651 / 2,702mm4,682 / 2,011 / 1,565 / 2,990mm
Boot capacity (seats up/down)527 / 1,587 litres452 / 1,328 litres510 / 1,560 litres

Richard is editor of DrivingElectric, as well as sister site Carbuyer.co.uk, and a regular contributor to Auto Express. An electric and hybrid car advocate, he spent more than five years working on the news and reviews desk at Auto Express and has driven almost every new car currently on sale.

Most Popular

First contact: facelifted Kia EV6 will look even more like a UFO
Kia EV6 facelift
News

First contact: facelifted Kia EV6 will look even more like a UFO

Kia is readying an update for the EV6 crossover, which is set to include a new face and tech from the larger EV9
27 Nov 2023
Electric Renault Twingo revealed as £17k rival to Citroen e-C3
Renault Twingo 1
News

Electric Renault Twingo revealed as £17k rival to Citroen e-C3

Renault has unveiled its smallest EV yet; a sub £20k city car with a claimed high level of efficiency
15 Nov 2023
Renault Scenic review: why would you choose a Model Y?
Renault Scenic - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Renault Scenic review: why would you choose a Model Y?

Renault has re-established itself as a titan of Europe’s family car sector; the Scenic offers range, tech and space, all at a reasonable price
28 Nov 2023