BMW X5 vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 BMW X5 presented a blend of classic and modern design elements, reminiscent of its original model from 2000. The lineup included both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options, with prices ranging from $69,750 to $132,450. Our test vehicle, the X5 M60i, was priced at $109,200 and featured a luxurious interior with Merino leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The exterior design retained the iconic wide kidney grilles and sculpted bodywork, while the interior emphasized simplicity with a panoramic curved display and minimized controls. Despite the predominantly black interior, the X5 felt anything but monotonous, thanks to its quality materials and ambient lighting.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt maintained a familiar look with slight styling changes, resembling a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. It offered a single body style, combining elements of a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The Bolt prioritized utility and interior space, with an upright driving position and ample headroom for both front and rear passengers. The interior featured a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, with a focus on practicality and storage. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the Bolt provided adequate comfort with options for synthetic leather upholstery and red stitching in the RS trim.

The 2026 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, with our M60i test car featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 532 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a fuel efficiency rating of 19 mpg. The X5 M60i's dynamic M Adaptive suspension and M Sport brakes provided a firm yet communicative ride, while its 7,200-pound towing capacity added to its versatility.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack and a motor delivering 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. It achieved 0-60 mph in the low seven-second range, offering quick acceleration compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs. The Bolt's ride was firm but not overly stiff, with a low center of gravity enhancing agility. It provided an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles on a full charge, with improved charging speed and a Tesla-derived NACS charge port.

The 2026 BMW X5 accommodated five passengers with comfortable front seats offering various adjustments and options for heating, ventilation, and massage. Rear-seat comfort was acceptable, with ample headroom but limited leg support for taller adults. The X5 offered 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage solutions were plentiful, with secure rubber liners to prevent noise.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt provided an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. The rear seats offered good headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing discomfort for center-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a large bin with dividers, a deep center armrest bin, and a wireless phone charger.

The 2026 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The iDrive 8.5 infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a cloud-based navigation system. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system provided exceptional sound quality, while the digital assistant offered limited functionality with Apple CarPlay.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came with an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, running on a Google-based operating system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. The optional Technology package added features like a surround-view camera system and a wireless charging pad. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging capabilities for backup power.

The 2026 BMW X5 included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and hands-free driving. The X5 received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, but it was expected to perform well based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise system was available for hands-free highway driving.