Do you want performance, but also efficiency? There are electric vehicles on the market that offer this combination, but autonomy is a drawback that does not exist in plug-in hybrids. The X5 xDrive50e is the PHEV version of BMW’s prestigious SUV. The electrification of this model allows you to enjoy all its advantages without giving up the ecological component desired by the customer.
This version of the X5 offers, in our opinion, the best compromise in the range. It is a large and versatile car, with a family-oriented approach and vocation, which can travel more than 100 km in electric mode, that is, with zero emissions. This figure gives it, of course, all the advantages derived from the DGT label 0.
BMW’s plug-in hybrid technology appears to be very efficient and perfectly meets the objective of drastically reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The hybrid system proposed by BMW offers extraordinary total power, 489 HP, that is, 360 kW. The performance of this powertrain is superb, with a self-limited maximum speed of 250 km/h and a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 4.8 seconds, a record only within reach of the most radical sports cars on the market.
This This combination allows the X5 to achieve a very notable WLTP approved electric range, 110 km.
In real driving conditions it is possible to travel approximately 80 or 85 kilometers in zero emissions mode. On the other hand, when it comes to driving in urban areas, it is easier to get closer to the autonomy declared by BMW.
Fuel consumption increases, on the highway, when the battery runs out, but remains around 6.5 or 7 liters, a quite reasonable figure. Logically, the most efficient way to use this BMW is to use the battery regularly. If we have a parking space with access to a domestic outlet, its charging power of 7.4 kWh translates into the need to take about 4 and a half hours for a full charge.
The X5 has a total length of 4.92 meters, two meters wide and 1.74 meters high. And it has a high curb weight of 2,495 kg. Logically, the city is not its preferred habitat, although it has good turning capacity (diameter of 12.6 meters) and the assistants facilitate maneuvers such as parking or moving in reverse.
This German SUV is a perfect machine to enjoy driving on the assault. On the road it exhibits extraordinary and silent operation, with a power delivery that is as energetic as it is progressive and that generates highly agile reactions. And, thanks to its incredible acceleration capacity, the adrenaline in your driving can reach unsuspected limits. Stopping power is outstanding and resists fatigue well, a section reinforced by the optional M sports brakes.
The pneumatic suspension of the M Sport package allows you to have different settings – five levels of height -, adapted to different scenarios, and the possibility of raising the body or bringing it closer to the ground at high speed. In addition to the air suspension, the active roll compensation system and integral steering allow dynamic behavior that is as agile as it is precise.
For its part, the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission offers very fast operation and extremely smooth transitions. The xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system guarantees traction capacity in any circumstance, as it intelligently distributes the torque between both axles and is capable of concentrating all the engine power on the rear axle, if necessary.
In the driving position, of high quality and comfort, the driver enjoys a digital dashboard with a configurable 12.3-inch clock panel and a 14.9-inch central screen for the multimedia system. The technology available in the X5 is practically limitless. It supports, for example, tactile, gestural and vocal commands. As an option, it can incorporate laser technology optics and, thanks to NFC technology, the key can be integrated into our smartphone.
The Reverse Assist stands out, which takes over the direction to maneuver the vehicle along a route that has recently been traveled forward. He always memorizes the last 50 meters that we have traveled below 40 km / h. Very interesting and practical is the optional Parkin Assistant Professional that allows you to control the maneuver from outside the car at a distance of up to 200 meters.
The habitability is remarkable and the space on board is very generous in both rows of seats. At the back, it is one of the few in its segment that offers three spacious seats, including a comfortable rear center seat. The battery reduces some capacity to the trunk, but maintains an interesting 500 liters for loading luggage. In addition, it has a practical automatic opening gate divided into two parts.