2024 BMW X5 50e Review: Ultimate Luxury PHEV SUV?

For decades, BMW has been at the forefront of luxury automotive engineering and design. With the increasing shift towards eco-friendly transportation, the German automaker has embraced plug-in hybrid technology to provide a blend of performance, efficiency, and sustainable mobility. The 2024 BMW X5 50e is their latest offering in the luxury PHEV SUV segment. But is it truly the ultimate plug-in hybrid SUV choice?

In short, yes – the 2024 X5 50e ticks all the boxes with its potent powertrain, impressive electric range, upscale cabin amenities, and typical BMW driving dynamics. This in-depth review will explore the X5 PHEV’s performance capabilities, design updates, interior luxury features, safety ratings, pricing details, and how it compares to key rivals in the competitive luxury plug-in hybrid SUV market.

The BMW X5 has long been a staple in the luxury midsize SUV class, offering a compelling blend of performance, utility, and premium appointments. For 2024, BMW has given the X5 a refresh, bolstering the plug-in hybrid 50e variant with a more powerful electrified powertrain while enhancing the exterior styling and interior tech.

Performance That Impresses

Under the hood (and floor), the 2024 X5 50e packs a serious punch. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with an electric motor and a 25.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This dynamic duo generates an impressive 483 horsepower and a stout 516 lb-ft of torque.

The results speak for themselves – this hybrid SUV can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and demolish the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at 110 mph. For some perspective, those are supercar-rivaling performance numbers from a family-friendly luxury SUV.

However, the X5 50e isn’t just a straight-line speedster. BMW’s renowned driving dynamics are evident, with the PHEV exhibiting refined and well-controlled handling belying its size and weight. The plug-in powertrain combines gas and electric power seamlessly, providing effortless acceleration while the advanced traction systems maximize grip.

Gas Engine, Electric Motor and Battery Specs

Let’s dive a bit deeper into what powers this performance plug-in hybrid:

• 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 Engine: This silky-smooth six-cylinder utilizes the latest BMW technologies like the Miller combustion cycle and an integrated exhaust manifold.
• Electric Motor: With 194 hp and 280 lb-ft on tap, the X5’s electric motor provides robust zero-emissions grunt.
• 25.7 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery: This large battery allows an EPA-estimated 38 miles of pure electric range.
• 7.4 kW Onboard Charger: Recharge from 0-100% in around 4.5 hours with a Level 2 charger.

Even with this potent electrified setup, the 2024 X5 50e manages impressive efficiency. In testing, it achieved 26 MPGe combined and an observed 33-mile electric range at 75 mph highway speeds. The intelligent hybrid system also has battery hold and charge modes to minimize gas usage as needed.

Bold New Styling Updates

The 2024 model year brings some fresh styling updates to the BMW X5, giving it an edgier yet refined look. Key exterior design changes include:

• Slimmer headlights with integrated LED arrowhead accents
• A larger, more upright kidney grille (optionally illuminated)
• Revised front and rear bumpers with sportier intakes and outlets
• Updated taillight signatures
• New wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter

Despite its refreshed visuals, the X5 retains its familiar proportions – a long hood, short overhangs, and an aggressive stance that blends sportiness with luxury. It looks equally at home carving canyon roads as it does arriving at a valet stand.

Impeccable Luxury Inside

Open the doors of the 2024 X5 50e and you’re greeted by a cabin befitting its premium luxury status. High-quality materials abound, from supple leather upholstery to real wood and metal accents. The seats are multi-adjustable and can be optioned with ventilation for added comfort.

However, the centerpiece of the updated interior is the new curved display panel. This seamless glass panel houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen running the latest iDrive 8 software. While removing some hard buttons, the overall layout is clean, modern, and user-friendly when you get accustomed to the system.

For those needing more passenger and cargo versatility, a 3-row seating option raises capacity to 7, albeit with a more modest rear cargo area. Speaking of utility, the X5 still offers up to 71 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the 40/20/40 split rear seats folded.

What’s New for the 2024 Interior?

In addition to the curved display, key cabin updates for 2024 include:

• Revised center console with fewer buttons
• New ambient lighting elements
• Updated gear selector
• Optional illuminated grille visible from inside

Overall, the X5’s interior remains a paragon of luxury and cutting-edge tech, although some may lament the loss of hard buttons for climate controls and other functions. Luckily, BMW’s latest iDrive system is very intuitive once you get accustomed to the menus and voice controls.

Top-Notch Safety Ratings and Driver Aids

As expected from a modern BMW, the 2024 X5 50e comes loaded with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies. Standard driver assistance features include:

• Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Automatic emergency braking

Higher trim levels can be optioned with even more sophisticated aids like BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional. This adds adaptive cruise control, front cross-traffic alert, and even hands-free self-driving capabilities under certain conditions.

Official safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS are not available yet for the 2024 model year. However, the BMW X5 has consistently earned top marks from both agencies, and there’s no reason to expect any changes that could significantly impact those scores.

For added protection, the X5 50e includes BMW’s Active Protection System which can automatically pretension safety belts, close windows and sunroof, and activate post-crash braking if a collision is detected.

Pricing, Trims and Value Proposition

As you’d expect from a premium German luxury vehicle, the 2024 BMW X5 PHEV doesn’t come cheap. Pricing starts at $73,495 for the base xDrive50e trim (including $995 destination). From there, higher trim levels can push the sticker price up significantly when adding packages and options.

Key trim levels include:

• xDrive50e: Kicks things off with LED lights, parking sensors, keyless entry, and more.
• xDrive50e M Sport: Adds sporty exterior styling, upgraded brakes, and unique interior trimEVening the odds on track with their 3.3L bybrids.

Popular options packages on offer are the Premium Package (head-up display, heated/cooled cupholders, remote start), the dynamic handling package with adaptive suspension dampers, and the Parking Assistance package.

When fully loaded, the 2024 X5 50e can easily crest $90,000. However, it does qualify for federal tax credits up to $7,500 for the purchase of a new plug-in hybrid vehicle. Some states also offer additional EV incentives that can further defray the costs.

While expensive, the 2024 X5 PHEV provides a compelling blend of performance, luxury, utility and efficiency that helps justify its premium pricing in the luxury midsize PHEV SUV segment.

How It Stacks Up Against Key Rivals

The luxury PHEV SUV class is a small but growing one, with key alternatives including:

• Volvo XC90 Recharge: Emphasizes efficiency over outright power but still offers a smooth and upscale driving experience.
• Jeep Wrangler 4xe: For the off-road adventurer, this rugged PHEV provides extra electric range for the trail.
• Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring: Ford’s luxury brand brings a powerful twin-turbo V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain.
• Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid: Porsche’s plug-in packs a 455hp punch from its twin-turbo V6 and electric motor combo, with sports-car-like performance and handling, albeit at a higher price premium.

While each of those rivals brings something unique to the table, the 2024 BMW X5 50e distinguishes itself with a compelling mix of blistering straight-line performance, decent all-electric range, exquisite cabin appointments, and the latest tech and safety features. Its inline-6 powertrain also provides a smoother and more refined driving experience than many competitors.

From a value perspective, the X5 lines up well against vehicles like the XC90 Recharge and Aviator Grand Touring. And while the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid outguns it in outright performance, it also commands a much higher price tag, even when fully optioned.

Let’s Complete

Is the 2024 BMW X5 50e the ultimate luxury plug-in hybrid SUV? If blistering electrified performance, impressive efficiency, sublime luxury accommodations, and iconic BMW driving dynamics are priorities, then it absolutely deserves consideration as the top dog.

Here’s a quick recap of the key strengths that make the X5 PHEV such a compelling choice:

Pros:

• Potent 483hp plug-in hybrid powertrain with 0-60 in 3.9 seconds
• Up to 38-mile EPA electric range on a full charge
• Exquisite, tech-laden luxury cabin with new curved display
• Standard BMW driving dynamics and available performance upgrades
• Comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems
• Qualifies for federal tax credits up to $7,500

Potential Drawbacks:

• Premium pricing, even for base trims
• Lack of hard buttons may frustrate some users
• No stand-alone EV mode (but electric range is good)
• Tighter 3rd-row and cargo space than some rivals

Overall, if you’re in the market for a no-compromise luxury PHEV SUV that blends scintillating performance with eco-friendly efficiency, striking good looks, and a first-class cabin experience, the 2024 BMW X5 50e deserves to be at the very top of your consideration list. It showcases BMW at their engineering best and proves plug-in hybrids can be just as exhilarating as they are sustainable.