The updates to the BMW X5 only consolidate an impressive all-round package, supported by this excellent plug-in powertrain.
The BMW X5 has long been a great choice for anyone looking for a luxury family SUV – an accolade it deserves now more than ever. This is a superbly crafted SUV, refined, high-tech, spacious, and comfortable, and when equipped with a well-sorted plug-in powertrain will only expand its range of capabilities. However, they are large and very expensive.
The BMW X5 SUV has long had a compelling set of attributes for anyone looking for a desirable, luxurious family car. But four generations later, the latest model may be the best.
Available with a range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines, that's the last one we're driving here. This version found particular favor in Europe, thanks to the financial benefits it gained from its owners' tax bills.
As part of its recent mid-life update, the X5 xDrive50e gets an extra 95bhp compared to the outgoing 45e, thanks to some significant upgrades to its electric motor (now 194bhp) and battery (25.7kWh). Combined with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, the plug-in X5 now produces an impressive 483bhp and 700Nm of torque.
Claimed fuel economy has risen to 353mpg, and the electric range is now between 60 and 70 miles, although our testing in winter conditions yielded around 50 miles from a full charge.
However, this improved powertrain technology doesn't come cheap, with a starting price of under £80,000, and a long list of options that can see that figure climb to over £100k. Our cars feature leather seats that have heating, ventilation, and massage, while other higher-end options are generally bundled into one package. This includes the M Sport Pro package, which combines several sporty styling elements and larger 21-inch alloy wheels. You get a 20-inch item as standard.
On first impression, it looks good, with styling changes that sharpen an already attractive design. Inside, the cabin is superbly constructed, with a commanding driving position and an impressive array of tech features that feel sharp and up-to-date.
On the road, it's impossible not to be struck by the X5's incredible refinement and ride comfort. With a fully charged battery, it's easy to forget that there's a six-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet; The X5's powerful electric motor is more than capable of transporting its modest mass with ease.
Around town, excellent forward visibility and light steering make it easy to position and very easy to drive in tight spaces – despite its large external dimensions. The ride is very well-judged, appearing plush without feeling too soft.
When the battery runs out, the engine starts almost imperceptibly, taking advantage of its inherent smoothness to create an impressive sense of calm. However, dig a little deeper, and the X5 feels fast – with impressive acceleration supported by the motor's instant torque.
As a modern BMW, there are plenty of settings to play with, and in Hybrid mode the car will flow along the road with little indication of whether the drive motor is petrol or electric. But in Sport, the petrol engine becomes much more vocal, and the ride is more akin to a pure petrol car, only with the addition of electric power and torque.
Calibrating a complex plug-in hybrid powertrain like this is an extremely difficult task for any manufacturer. But the BMW seems to handle the X5 well, rarely feeling caught out or confused by sudden inputs. We only found it crossing once or twice when exiting a junction urgently, where the engine and motor combine to give you perhaps too much performance. However, in general, the system is more advanced than that found in this car's main rivals.
As with all plug-in hybrids, the economy suffers if the battery runs out. During our testing, we covered 450 miles in mixed city and highway driving, achieving around 43.5mpg. That sounds impressive for a car of this size, but the 184-mile range was completed in all-electric mode, meaning actual fuel consumption for the distance traveled on petrol power was just 25.9mpg. If you consistently drive long distances and exceed the electric range between charges, a diesel-powered X5 will be more efficient. The X5 also only accepts 11kW AC charging, so a full battery charge will take just over 4 hours.
The rest of the package is typical of the plug-in hybrid and does have less boot space than other X5s, with 500 liters instead of 650 liters. BMW also doesn't offer a seven-seat option on the UK model, leaving that market for the larger X7.
Against its main rivals, the X5 still excels in terms of striking a balance between a comfortable and luxurious driving experience, while still feeling balanced and fun to drive. The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is sportier, with a firmer ride and sharper steering, while the softer Mercedes GLE 400e can feel more complex but not more comfortable. Balance is a talent the X5 has always had and continues to do so through four generations.
Model: BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport
Price: £79,265
Engine: 3.0-liter turbo petrol engine, plug-in hybrid
Power/torque: 483bhp/700Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
0-62mph: 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
Economy/CO2: 353mpg/19g/km
On sale: Now
