View Photos of the 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
BMW provides improved performance and increased all-electric range on the second generation of the plug-in-hybrid 2021 X5 SUV.
The electrified 2021 BMW X5—now called xDrive45e—adopts a more powerful six-cylinder plug-in-hybrid powertrain that improves quickness and refinement. It also adds a bigger battery pack that provides more than double the electric-only range of its predecessor.
The plug-in-hybrid BMW X5 returns following a brief hiatus after the 2018 model year, when the fourth generation of the X5 made its debut.
Along with the myriad improvements made to the nonhybrid, such as a new platform and updated technology, the new plug-in X5 has a chiseled exterior and a sophisticated cabin.
The X5 xDrive45e is significantly quicker than the outgoing version, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is 1.4 ticks ahead of the old four-cylinder PHEV.
Under the hood, BMW replaces the 2.0-liter turbo-four with a more powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that combines with a single electric motor to make 389 horsepower (up 81) and 443 pound-feet of torque (up 111).
While the X5 xDrive45e is also quicker than plug-in rivals such as the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring and the Volvo XC90 T8, it's not as speedy or sporty as the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid.
BMW also gives the latest iteration of the X5 plug-in hybrid a bigger battery that nearly doubles its EPA-rated all-electric range from 14 miles previously to 31 miles now.
While the 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e has worse fuel-economy ratings that its main competitors and even other plug-in BMWs, its bigger battery means they can't match its EV range.
Unlike rival mid-size luxury SUVs, the 2021 X5 xDrive45e is the only one eligible for a full $7500 federal tax credit. Not only does this give the Bimmer a lower starting price, it also makes it cheaper than the nonhybrid, six-cylinder X5.
The X5 xDrive45e that we tested smoothly transitions between gas and electric operation, and its ride-and-handling balance is surprisingly athletic and refined, despite a hefty curb weight and large 21-inch wheels.
Although our example was fitted with the optional performance summer tires and stopped from 70 mph in an impressively short 156 feet, its brake pedal felt overly soft and uneven during everyday driving.
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
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