2025 BMW X5 vs 2024 Kia EV9

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold new direction for Kia's electric vehicles, while still maintaining a familiar SUV aesthetic. Its exterior design was characterized by a blocky, digital clock-inspired look, with octagonal wheel arches and a sharply angled rear window. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the "Digital Tiger Face" grille. The top trims, Land and GT-Line, included a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding a constellation of light points. The wheels complemented the blocky design, with the base 19-inch wheels offering a sense of motion, while the Land and GT-Line trims featured more geometric patterns.

Inside, the EV9 felt spacious and modern, enhanced by a light gray two-tone interior and dual sunroofs. The front seats were power-adjustable, with additional customizations available on higher trims. The SynTex seating surfaces were comfortable, and the fabric lining was durable. The interior design emphasized practicality and comfort, making it a pleasant environment for both driver and passengers.

The 2025 BMW X5 maintained its classic proportions while incorporating modern design elements. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights. The front fascia was busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package added sportier bumpers and darkened trim, with further upgrades available. The X5 celebrated its 25th anniversary with a limited-production Silver Anniversary Edition, featuring unique trim and paint options.

The interior of the X5 evolved gracefully, retaining a connection to previous generations while incorporating a curved dashboard display. The quality was evident, though the appearance was plainer compared to some competitors. The Silver Anniversary Edition featured carbon fiber trim and light-up graphics, enhancing the overall aesthetic. The X5's interior offered a sense of familiarity and quality, appealing to those who appreciate BMW's design philosophy.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the Light trim's single motor, rear-wheel-drive setup producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range model increased the range to 304 miles with a larger battery, though horsepower dropped slightly to 201. The higher trims featured all-wheel drive with dual motors, producing 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 280 miles. The GT-Line prioritized performance with 516 lb-ft of torque but reduced the range to 270 miles. The EV9's power delivery was smooth, and its handling was stable, with adjustable regenerative braking enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options, starting with the sDrive40i and xDrive40i models, both featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The M60i xDrive model featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The X5 also offered a plug-in hybrid variant, the xDrive50e, with a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, providing up to 39 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were impressive, with precise handling and a smooth power delivery, making it a pleasure to drive.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride and BMW X7. Third-row legroom ranged from 30.8 to 32.0 inches, depending on the middle row's configuration. The EV9 could seat up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. Cargo space was competitive, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 81.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior design emphasized practicality, with a high and flat load floor and ample storage options.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV, offering generous passenger space but not class-leading. The first-row legroom was slightly less than some competitors, but headroom was ample. The sport seats provided extra bolstering for cornering, though real leather upholstery and front-seat ventilation were absent in the Silver Anniversary Edition. The X5 offered 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a unique feature, providing convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2024 Kia EV9 featured a three-screen curved display, with a 12.3-inch driver information display, a 5-inch Climate Display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a premium audio system available on higher trims. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades. This approach allowed for future customization and enhancements, providing a sense of "future-proofing" for owners.

The 2025 BMW X5 received a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The iDrive infotainment system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The X5 also featured augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity, enhancing the overall technology experience. The instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read, with a prominent speed readout and secondary gauges.

The 2024 Kia EV9 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. Some features, like the Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist, were reserved for higher trims. The EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.

The 2025 BMW X5 included standard driver aids like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package offered Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for highway driving. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech.