First Drive: BMW X5 xDrive40e

While the i3 and i8 are undoubtedly avantgarde and bold electric vehicles, BMW’s first plug-in hybrid production car is based on its more conventional and popular SUV – the right marriage of technology and practicality?

What is it?

The X5 xDrive40e is the first plug-in hybrid production car from BMW, and was launched in spring 2015 ahead of the recently-announced PHEV versions of the 2 Series Active Tourer and the evergreen 3 Series executive saloon. 

The permanent all-wheel drive SUV combines elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics eco-technology with a 180kW/245bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine and 83kW/113bhp synchronous electric motor. Combined system output is 230kW/313bhp with 450Nm/332lb ft of torque, while the German car maker promises a maximum official 85.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 77-78g/km. 

The 96-cell, 9kWh lithium-ion battery is mounted in the luggage area of the X5 xDrive40e and provides energy for the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox, into which the electric motor is situated, while a separate 12V battery powers the car’s electrical system via an onboard voltage transformer. 

The X5 xDrive40e can be driven up to 75mph in all-electric mode, while BMW quotes an official 19-mile range. The company says it is the average mileage that 88 per cent of X5 drivers travel. Top speed is a quoted 130mph. 

How does it drive?
Unlike its i3 and i8 built-from-the-ground-up EVs, the X5 xDrive40e is a standard X5 given an electric makeover. Externally, it looks like any other X5, and it’s a similar story inside. As with other versions of the BMW SUV, the plush materials and clear displays point to a premium-priced car, and there are plenty of read-outs to inform the driver of what’s going on with the power sources. 

An i8-style ‘floating’ central touchscreen displays the navigation and setting options, as well as informing the driver of which driving mode is selected. A display ahead of the driver displays level of recuperation charge, battery status as well as how much electricity is being used. 

An ‘eDrive’ button on the high centre console adjusts the car's hybrid mode. When set to ‘Auto’, the xDrive40e’s engine is boosted by the 250Nm/184lb ft electric motor for higher speeds, the electric motor being employed up to 44mph. The ‘Max’ eDrive setting allows the car to run exclusively on all-electric power. 

A ‘Save Battery’ mode allows the battery’s charge state to be held or topped up by energy recuperation should its level be low and is ideal for those smaller city-based journeys where zero local emissions matter most. Regardless of which setting is chosen, all four wheels are permanently powered by BMW’s xDrive system. A ‘Driving Experience Control’ switch also activates three further vehicle set-ups: ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and Eco Pro’. 

These further modes alter the throttle mapping, steering characteristics and gearbox responses. ‘Eco Pro’, as its name suggests, is the most economical setting, and optimises the most efficient use of the air conditioning system, seat heating function as well as the heated mirrors. 

Additionally, when overrunning between 0-100mph, a coasting function shuts off the engine, so the X5 xDrive40e runs using no fuel at all. Both the ‘eDrive’ and ‘Driving Experience Control’ set-ups can be mixed together for a driver’s particular preference, creating a tailored and individual set-up. 

To potentially make the hybrid BMW X5 even more efficient, the standard ‘Professional’ satellite navigation system also features intelligent energy management. BMW’s 'anticipatory powertrain strategy’ maximises the car’s potential all-electric range by examining the route profile, traffic situation and which drive mode is selected. 

As with the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine we’ve also recently tested, the X5 xDrive40e offers plenty of performance from the off. The electric motor has spirited get-up-and-go from standstill thanks to its instant torque – BMW quotes a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds. 

Agility is similar to  combustion-engined X5s (even with the extra 120kg of weight of the xDrive40e M Sport over the 2,185kg xDrive40d), and don’t forget, unlike some of its competitors, the X5 xDrive40e is four-wheel drive all of the time for added reassurance.

Refinement is as you’d expect from a BMW, too, the hybrid X5 near-silent when on the move. As with so many electric or hybrid cars, by its very nature the X5 xDrive40e is a relaxing companion in and out of the urban landscape. 

How long does it take to charge?
Charging the X5 xDrive40e to 80 per cent from empty takes around 2.5 hours on BMW’s 7kW i wallbox, which is part of the company’s ‘BMW 360º Electric’ concept, which offers connected and assistance services. As with the i3, the ChargeNow service provides free access to a network of selected charging points, while the ParkNow Longterm system allows pre-booking of a charge point for recharging. 

If using a household socket, an additional hour can bet added to the wallbox charging time. A remote pre-conditioning system and a 5m domestic charging cable is standard: a Type 2-ended cable for fast charging costs from £165. 

What does it cost?
Available in SE and M Sport variants, our test car was the top-rung M Sport, which starts at £56,705 on the road including VAT. The lower priced SE model costs £52,105, but misses out on the more aggressive styling of the M Sport car. 

The PHEV X5 is £215 cheaper than the similar output £52,320 157g/km, 47.1mpg xDrive40d in SE trim. As with the xDrive40e, an M Sport version is also available at £56,920. Standard equipment is high with adaptive comfort suspension, air conditioning, alloy wheels (19-inches on our test car), automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, cruise control, DAB radio, and BMW online services all included. 

How much does it cost to tax?
Like the new Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine, the X5 xDrive40e will prove more advantageous when used in urban areas as opposed to stretches of motorway, where the xDrive40d will prove a more cost-effective companion. BMW claims mid-20mpg fuel economy on a long distance, rising by 10 or 20mpg deepening on driving style and road conditions. 

Like the big Swede, though, the plug-in X5 favours business users, with its BIK rate of 13 per cent and the Category 2 £2,500 PiCG grant from 1 March 2016 for non-optioned, list price models under £60,000. Compared to the xDrive40d, the xDrive40e has the potential to offer £2,711 per year benefit in kind tax savings. 

Should I buy one?
BMW bills the X5 xDrive40 e as a ‘no’ compromise’ version of its all-conquering SUV, but practicality does suffer a little. Unlike the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine (and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV), the X5 PHEV only seats five – battery intrusion into the luggage area means that two extra seats are not an option. However, the 500 litres of luggage space is only 70 litres less than a combustion-engined X5, increasing to 1,720 litres when the rear seats are folded. 

Overall, the BMW X5 xDrive40e offers most of the flexibility that the rest of the range enjoys. With the same comfort, premium quality and technology as other X5s, the hybrid version of BMW’s SUV bids to entice business users with its more favourable tax costs. Just be careful with the options list, though – if the car’s price creeps over the £60,000 Category 2 plug-in car grant ceiling, the X5 xDrive40e will not be eligible to receive it. 

BMW X5 XDRIVE40E M SPORT
Engine: 245bhp/180kW 1,997cc four-cylinder petrol with 113bhp/83kW electric motor
CO2: 78g/km
Range: 19 miles (electric only)
MPG (combined): 83.1mpg
VED: Band A, £0
BIK: 13% 
Price (OTR): £56,705 (inc VAT, before government PiCG grant)