BMW X5
Think of BMW’s M division and earth-friendly modes of transport may not be the first thing that springs to mind. The sporty side of BMW has built an enviable reputation over the years that other tuning companies aspire to even match, never mind better. Now, this may come under the M Sport umbrella, so not a full-fat M model but this offering may come as something of a surprise. It’s an X5, obviously, ergo it’s absolutely massive, but it’s also a plug-in hybrid with a claimed electric range of 60 miles.
What may come as your second surprise is that that claimed electric only range is one of the most honest we’ve encountered. Even on a wet, chilly day navigating the west coast of Cornwall with four occupants who weren’t shy in the heated seats/charging mobiles department, the X5 achieved a very respectable 56 miles before the batteries handed responsibility back to internal combustion.
What’s under the bonnet?
And what a force of internal combustion BMW has gone with. Now this probably won’t be entirely unexpected as it’s wearing various M badges, but under the bonnet of this particular X5 you’ll find a 3.0 litre, turbocharged straight-six petrol engine that, when coupled with the electric motor that’s been upgraded for this xDrive50e spec version, provides a not inconsiderable 489bhp & 700Nm torque.
Channeled to all four wheels via BMW’s silky-smooth 8-speed auto, the X5 will do 0-62mph in 4.8s and top out at 155mph; impressive enough but especially so when you consider it weighs in just shy of a hefty 2.5 tonnes. Select sport mode and this eco-angel gets a little devilish. Everything goes red, response is sharpened and that 3.0l straight six is a little more vocal all of a sudden.
How does the X5 handle?
The way the X5 handles that sizeable mass is one of the most impressive aspects of the car. The X5 was always built to be more car-like than SUV in terms of its handling but when that much weight is suspended relatively high above the ground, physics tends to have an impact. Quite how the X5 maintains its nimble handling is a credit to the engineers at BMW; this is no roadster by any means but it’s no land barge either. Nor is the X5 over-stiffened to combat roll; even on the M Sport’s 21” alloys the ride is pliable.
Another impressive feat is the way the X5 drives with little to no difference whether using electricity or petrol. Yes, our test car came with optional acoustic glass but the straight-six is so eerily smooth that the transition between the two power sources is absolutely seamless. Even tackling the dreaded rushed junction departure which has a knack of flummoxing hybrids and leaving them stuttering is a breeze for the X5.
Inside the X5
Inside the X5 is the usual blend of understated class and ultra-modern tech we’ve become accustomed to with BMW. We’re not keen on the Tron-esque chevronned dashboard that lights up in front of the passenger but the driving position and comfort levels put the X5 into the luxury SUV sector without doubt.
One thing to note; if you’re after a cavernous boot, the hybrid does lose 150 litres of space for all that tech. It’ll still swallow 500 litres worth of gear, though, so it’s not exactly miniscule. As with all UK X5s, there’s no seven seat option either.
Perfect, then?
So, what’s the down side? Well, the cost is a little prohibitive at £80,835 OTR before options, of which our test car had just short of £20k’s worth. What it’s important to remember is that this is a luxury SUV, though, so its competition is the likes of Porsche’s Cayenne (E-Hybrid starts at circa £80k) & Range Rover’s Sport, which starts at over £94k for the PHEV and is undoubtedly nowhere near as well built as the BMW.
Another aspect of the X5 PHEV that could be improved is its charging capability which is 7.4kW max. That equates to a 4.5 hour charge time from 0-100% which isn’t exactly rapid.
Should I buy a BMW X5?
The BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport doesn’t come cheap but it possibly ticks more boxes than anything else available today. It’s a PHEV with realistic electric range when you want it to be and it’s also a luxury SUV with real road presence. As an all-round package, it’s hard to beat.
By Ben Harrington
2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport Specifications:
Engine – 3.0-l, straight-six petrol & electric motor, Transmission – 8-speed auto, Layout – Front engine, AWD, Power – 489bhp,Torque – 700Nm Emissions – 21g/km CO2, Economy – 313mpg, Maximum Speed – 155mph, Acceleration – 4.8s – 0-62mph, Price – £80,835 OTR, £100,869 as tested
The 2024 BMW X5 is available now, priced from £69,560. For full details go to:www.bmw.co.uk
Leave a Reply