2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e Review: The Luxury PHEV SUV
In the ever-evolving world of luxury SUVs, the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking the perfect blend of performance, efficiency, and premium amenities. As automakers continue to embrace electrification, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) have emerged as a popular option, offering the best of both worlds – the convenience of gasoline power combined with the eco-friendly benefits of electric propulsion.
Are you in the market for a luxurious, family-friendly SUV that delivers exhilarating performance while reducing your carbon footprint? The short answer is yes, the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e is a fantastic choice.
Performance: Power and Efficiency in Perfect Harmony
The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e is a true powerhouse, boasting an impressive combination of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine and a potent electric motor. This hybrid powertrain delivers a staggering 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, propelling this luxurious SUV from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.6 seconds.
But raw power isn’t the only story here; the X5 xDrive50e also excels in efficiency. Thanks to its 25.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, it can travel up to 40 miles on pure electric power, making it ideal for daily commutes and shorter trips without consuming a drop of gasoline.
When the gasoline engine kicks in, the X5 xDrive50e seamlessly transitions to hybrid mode, delivering an EPA-estimated 58 MPGe combined fuel economy rating. This impressive efficiency not only saves you money at the pump but also reduces your environmental impact.
What’s new in the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e powertrain?
For the 2024 model year, BMW has made significant upgrades to the X5 xDrive50e’s powertrain. The turbocharged inline-six engine now features the Miller combustion cycle, which improves efficiency by shortening the time the intake valves are open. Additionally, the engine’s combustion chambers and intake components have been redesigned for better performance.
The electric motor has also received a substantial boost, now producing 194 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 83 horsepower over the previous model. This added power contributes to the X5 xDrive50e’s impressive acceleration and overall driving dynamics.
How does the electric motor and gasoline engine work together?
BMW’s engineers have expertly integrated the electric motor and gasoline engine to provide a seamless driving experience. The electric motor is housed within the eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing for smooth transitions between electric and hybrid modes.
In pure electric mode, the X5 xDrive50e can reach speeds of up to 87 mph without engaging the gasoline engine. When additional power is needed, or the battery charge drops below a certain level, the gasoline engine kicks in seamlessly, providing a boost in performance while maintaining efficiency.
What are the real-world fuel economy and electric range figures?
While the EPA estimates are a useful benchmark, real-world fuel economy and electric range can vary based on driving conditions, driving style, and various other factors. During our testing, we averaged around 40 mpg in hybrid mode and achieved an electric range of approximately 35 miles on a full charge.
It’s important to note that factors like extreme temperatures, aggressive driving, and heavy cargo loads can impact these figures. However, with careful driving and regular charging, the X5 xDrive50e can significantly reduce your gasoline consumption and associated emissions.
Design: Elegant and Purposeful
The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e’s design strikes a perfect balance between elegance and practicality. Exterior updates for the 2024 model year include slimmer headlights, a revised grille, and new taillight designs, giving the X5 a fresh and modern appearance.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a meticulously crafted interior that exudes luxury and sophistication. High-quality materials, such as premium leathers and real wood accents, are complemented by a sleek, curved display that houses the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster.
Despite its plug-in hybrid nature, the X5 xDrive50e doesn’t sacrifice cargo space, offering a generous 33.1 cubic feet of room behind the second row, ensuring you can accommodate all your family’s gear with ease.
What are the key exterior design changes for 2024?
The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e receives a subtle but impactful exterior refresh. The redesigned headlights feature slimmer LED elements and arrow-shaped daytime running lights, giving the front end a more modern and aggressive look.
The iconic BMW kidney grille has also been updated, with a sculpted border and the option for illumination when the doors are opened (available as part of the M Sport Professional package).
At the rear, the taillights now feature an “X” pattern made up of fiber-optic light elements, creating a distinctive and eye-catching signature.
How does the interior of the X5 xDrive50e compare to competitors?
The X5 xDrive50e’s interior is a true standout in the luxury SUV segment. The attention to detail and use of premium materials are on par with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q7, but BMW’s signature driver-focused layout and sporty design elements give the X5 a distinct advantage.
One area where the X5 xDrive50e shines is the integration of technology. The curved display housing the infotainment system and digital gauge cluster is a sleek and modern touch, while the available gesture controls and BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant add convenience and user-friendliness.
Is there a sacrifice in cargo space due to the hybrid battery?
While plug-in hybrid vehicles often face compromises in cargo space due to the placement of the battery pack, the BMW X5 xDrive50e manages to minimize this drawback. With 33.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, it’s only marginally less than the non-hybrid X5 models, which offer 33.9 cubic feet.
Additionally, the X5 xDrive50e includes a clever storage compartment beneath the cargo floor, perfect for stowing away smaller items or the available space-saver spare tire.
Technology and Features: Cutting-Edge and User-Friendly
The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e is a technological tour de force, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced features designed to enhance your driving experience and keep you connected on the go.
At the heart of the X5 xDrive50e’s technological prowess is BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 infotainment system. This intuitive interface is displayed on a stunning 14.9-inch curved display, providing easy access to navigation, multimedia, and vehicle settings.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration ensure seamless connectivity with your smartphone, while advanced driver-assistance systems like the available Highway Assistant offer hands-free driving on approved highways, enhancing both safety and convenience.
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, the X5 xDrive50e can be outfitted with optional features like massaging seats, a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, and a panoramic glass roof, elevating the overall experience to new heights.
What’s new in the iDrive 8.5 infotainment system?
BMW’s iDrive infotainment system has long been praised for its user-friendliness and intuitive interface, and the latest 8.5 iteration takes things to the next level. The massive 14.9-inch curved display is not only visually striking but also offers improved responsiveness and clarity.
The iDrive 8.5 system features wireless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps and content. Additionally, BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant has been enhanced, making it easier to control various vehicle functions using natural voice commands.
What driver-assistance features are available in the X5 xDrive50e?
The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offers a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to enhance safety and convenience. Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning.
For an added layer of protection, the optional Driving Assistance Professional package includes features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the standout feature is BMW’s Highway Assistant, which enables hands-free driving on approved highways, handling acceleration, braking, and steering inputs within its operational limits.
While advanced driver aids are designed to enhance safety, it’s important to remember that they are not a substitute for an attentive driver. The X5 xDrive50e’s ADAS features are intended to assist and support the driver, not replace them entirely.
What are the standout luxury and convenience features?
In true BMW fashion, the X5 xDrive50e offers a wealth of luxurious and convenient features to elevate your driving experience. The available Climate Comfort package adds heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and four-zone automatic climate control, ensuring optimal comfort for all occupants.
For those seeking the ultimate in audio bliss, the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System delivers concert-like sound quality, transforming your X5 xDrive50e into a mobile concert hall. Additionally, a panoramic glass roof lets natural light flood the cabin, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere.
Other notable features include a head-up display, gesture controls, wireless charging, and remote start, ensuring that every aspect of your journey is tailored to your preferences.
Driving Experience: Smooth, Refined, and Engaging
While the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e’s performance and technology are undoubtedly impressive, it’s the overall driving experience that truly sets it apart. From the moment you slip behind the wheel, you’ll be greeted by a sense of luxury and refinement that permeates every aspect of the journey.
The adaptive air suspension system ensures a well-controlled ride quality, effortlessly absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, while still providing the precise handling and responsiveness that BMW is known for. The steering is well-weighted and communicative, instilling confidence in the driver, even when navigating tight corners or winding roads.
One of the standout features of the X5 xDrive50e is the seamless transition between electric and gasoline power. The transition is virtually imperceptible, creating a smooth and uninterrupted driving experience. Additionally, the cabin remains remarkably quiet, even at highway speeds, thanks to the well-insulated interior and advanced sound-deadening materials.
How does the X5 xDrive50e handle on winding roads?
While the X5 xDrive50e is a large and luxurious SUV, it doesn’t sacrifice handling or driving dynamics. Thanks to its well-tuned suspension and precise steering, the X5 xDrive50e handles winding roads with aplomb, inspiring confidence and providing a surprisingly engaging driving experience.
The addition of the hybrid powertrain and battery pack does add some weight to the vehicle, but BMW’s engineers have done an excellent job in minimizing body roll and maintaining a planted, stable feel, even when pushing the limits.
It’s important to note that while the X5 xDrive50e is capable of spirited driving, it’s not a dedicated performance vehicle like the X5 M or X6 M models. Its primary focus is on delivering a well-rounded driving experience that strikes a balance between comfort, efficiency, and spirited performance when needed.
What is the experience like in pure electric mode?
One of the most compelling aspects of the X5 xDrive50e is its ability to operate in pure electric mode, providing a serene and emissions-free driving experience. In this mode, the vehicle is virtually silent, with only a faint whirr from the electric motor audible.
Acceleration is smooth and instantaneous, thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque delivery. This makes the X5 xDrive50e feel remarkably responsive and agile, particularly in stop-and-go city driving or when merging onto highways.
Additionally, the regenerative braking system helps to recapture energy
during deceleration, extending the electric range and maximizing efficiency.
How does the ride quality compare to other luxury SUVs?
The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e’s ride quality is a standout feature, rivaling that of other luxury SUVs in its class. The adaptive air suspension system does an excellent job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and comfortable ride, even over rough surfaces.
When compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q7, the X5 xDrive50e strikes a better balance between ride comfort and handling. While some luxury SUVs prioritize a pillowy-soft ride at the expense of handling, the X5 xDrive50e manages to deliver both a comfortable ride and engaging driving dynamics.
Additionally, the well-insulated cabin and advanced sound-deadening materials contribute to the overall sense of refinement, minimizing road and wind noise, ensuring a serene and relaxing driving experience, even on long journeys.
Pricing and Value: Premium but Justifiable
Like most luxury vehicles, the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e doesn’t come cheap, with a starting price of $72,500 (before incentives and options). However, when you consider the level of performance, technology, and overall refinement on offer, the price tag becomes more palatable.
It’s important to note that the X5 xDrive50e qualifies for federal tax credits and potential state incentives, which can significantly offset the initial cost of ownership. Additionally, the long-term fuel savings and lower maintenance costs associated with plug-in hybrid ownership can provide substantial savings over the vehicle’s lifetime.
When compared to other plug-in hybrid luxury SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid and Range Rover Sport PHEV, the X5 xDrive50e offers a compelling value proposition, delivering similar performance and technology at a more accessible price point.
What are the trim levels and pricing for the X5 xDrive50e?
The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e is available in two main trim levels: the xDrive50e and the xDrive50e M Sport. The base xDrive50e starts at $72,500, while the M Sport variant, which adds sportier styling elements and additional performance features, starts at $75,500.
Beyond the trim levels, BMW offers a wide range of optional packages and individual options, allowing buyers to personalize their X5 xDrive50e to their specific preferences. Popular options include the Premium Package, which adds features like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats, and the Driving Assistance Professional Package, which includes advanced driver-assistance systems like the Highway Assistant.
How does the X5 PHEV compare in value to competitors?
When comparing the X5 xDrive50e to its closest competitors in the plug-in hybrid luxury SUV segment, it emerges as a compelling value proposition. The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, for example, starts at around $90,000, while the Range Rover Sport PHEV starts at over $100,000.
While these competitors offer slightly more performance and prestige, the X5 xDrive50e delivers a similar level of luxury, technology, and efficiency at a more accessible price point. Additionally, the X5 xDrive50e’s long-term ownership costs, including fuel savings and maintenance, may make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
What are the potential long-term cost savings of owning a plug-in hybrid?
One of the most significant advantages of owning a plug-in hybrid vehicle like the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e is the potential for long-term cost savings. By leveraging the vehicle’s electric-only range for daily commutes and shorter trips, owners can significantly reduce their gasoline consumption and associated costs.
Additionally, plug-in hybrids generally have lower maintenance costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, as they have fewer moving parts and don’t require as frequent oil changes or other routine maintenance.
According to industry estimates, the average plug-in hybrid owner can save thousands of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs over the lifetime of the vehicle when compared to a similarly sized gasoline-powered SUV.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e is a remarkable achievement, seamlessly blending electrification and luxury into a compelling package that delivers on all fronts. With its potent hybrid powertrain, sleek and sophisticated design, cutting-edge technology, and refined driving experience, the X5 xDrive50e stands as a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess and commitment to innovation.
While the premium price tag may give some buyers pause, the X5 xDrive50e’s long-term cost savings, impressive performance, and uncompromising luxury make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking the ultimate blend of efficiency, power, and prestige.
