Miles per gallon-equivalent is how the EPA provides efficiency ratings for battery-electric vehicles in a way that can be used in comparison with gasoline-powered vehicles. Actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.
EPA-estimated range is the distance, or predicted distance, a new plug-in vehicle will travel on electric power before its battery charge is exhausted. Actual range will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.
Charge time estimates are based on using a 240-volt charging circuit charging from empty to 100% battery capacity. Level 2 is the fastest way to charge at home, though charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as the capabilities of the charging circuit, charging equipment and the vehicle’s onboard charger. Level 2 charging time provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.
24kWh
Battery capacityBattery capacity
Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours, which is a measure of how much energy is used over time. A 70-kWh battery has more energy capacity than a 50-kWh battery and would result in a longer driving range if all other factors were equal. But more battery capacity doesn’t always mean longer range because of differences in energy consumption from vehicle to vehicle. Battery capacity provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.
Competes with: Gas-powered BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, Tesla Models Y and X
Looks like: An X5 with an extra fuel door
Powertrain: Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a 24-kilowatt-hour battery for a total system output of 389 horsepower and 443 pounds-feet of torque; eight-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: July
BMW actually first revealed the plug-in-hybrid version of its X5 SUV in September 2018, but said the U.S. version wouldn’t launch until 2020 as a 2021 model. Well, it’s 2020 and despite everything that’s happened between 2018 and now, the plug-in hybrid X5 is almost here. It boasts significant power increases over the previous X5 plug-in, more electric-only range and the latest in BMW’s safety and infotainment technology.
The X5 xDrive45e PHEV doesn’t look much different from its gas-only counterparts. It’s even available with the M Sport Package that offers unique 20- or 21-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim and an aerodynamics kit. The best ways to spot the PHEV version are to read the badging or spot the telltale charging-port door located on the driver-side front fender.
Interior
Inside, there’s very little difference; the most significant change is the addition of buttons for Hybrid and Electric drive modes just left of the gear selector. Otherwise, the interior is standard modern BMW fare: a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system are standard, as are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SensaTec faux-leather upholstery is standard, and two grades of leather are optional. The addition of the battery pack does cut into cargo space slightly, however. According to BMW’s measurements, the PHEV version has 0.8 cubic feet less space with the backseat up, and 1.1 cubic feet less with the seats folded down.
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood is where the most significant changes are, both from contemporary gas-only X5s and the previous-generation PHEV. The combined system output from the turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder and electric motor with 24 kilowatt-hour battery pack is up 81 hp and 111 pounds-feet over the outgoing X5 PHEV. That generation used a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and 12-kwh battery pack.
The result is a much quicker SUV that can go from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, 1.2 seconds faster than its predecessor. It also results in increased electric-only range, now 30 miles instead of 14. Electric-only top speed also increases to 84 mph from the previous 75.
Safety
BMW’s Active Driving Assistant system is standard and includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear collision warning, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and a display of the current speed limit.
The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention with side collision prevention and BMW’s semi-autonomous Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. It also adds front cross-traffic warning and BMW’s Evasion Assistant collision-avoidance feature.
Additionally, buyers can add the optional Parking Assistance Package, which provides self-parking capability and a drive recorder system that can be activated to record up to 40 seconds of video for later viewing and will automatically record and save 20 seconds of footage “around the moment of impact” if a crash occurs.
The 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e is expected to arrive at dealerships in July with a starting price of $66,395 (including a $995 destination fee).
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
Brian Normile
Road Test Editor Brian Normile joined the automotive industry and Cars.com in 2013, and he became part of the Editorial staff in 2014. Brian spent his childhood devouring every car magazine he got his hands on — not literally, eventually — and now reviews and tests vehicles to help consumers make informed choices. Someday, Brian hopes to learn what to do with his hands when he’s reviewing a car on camera. He would daily-drive an Alfa Romeo 4C if he could.
I've had this car for over a year now and I am generally impressed....drives great (even in snow), is quite comfortable, has lots of features, decent electronics, gets excellent mileage with and without the battery. Negatives: cheap "leather" interior, door sill is too wide to get out without getting dirt on the back of your leg (even without the options step), backup cross traffic safety is useless unless you are backing into a wall, and the hands-free lift gate is disabled if you get a trailer hitch. All fixable if BMW but some effort into it.
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Comfort4.0
Interior4.0
Performance5.0
Value4.0
Exterior3.0
Reliability5.0
Purchased a New car
Used for Transporting family
Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful.
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World Class
June 10, 2021
By JRS from Alpharetta ga
Owns this car
satisfied with everything including dealer I would highly recommend all aspects. A must see And drive As well as incredible fuel mileage Trust me when I tell you you must on this one
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Comfort5.0
Interior5.0
Performance5.0
Value5.0
Exterior5.0
Reliability5.0
Purchased a New car
Used for Transporting family
Does recommend this car
4 people out of 6 found this review helpful.
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Excellent vehicle AND $7500 tax credit!!
March 7, 2021
By MichaelBaselice from Apex, NC
Owns this car
This is my second X5, and the X5 45e is a great hybrid vehicle without any of the usual compromises. It has all the amenities of a standard X5, with the added value of the electric drive and $7500 Federal Tax Credits. The vehicle can be plugged in, or even recharges while driving (when that feature is activated). I highly recommend this vehicle for those considering a new SUV or Hybrid.
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Comfort5.0
Interior5.0
Performance5.0
Value5.0
Exterior5.0
Reliability5.0
Purchased a New car
Used for Commuting
Does recommend this car
5 people out of 5 found this review helpful.
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