2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e: The Brand’s First Midsized Electrified Crossover

Highlight: The BMW X5 xDrive45e has an electric driving range of 31 miles.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $81,695 (Base Gasoline Model: $64,695)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; electronic blind spot; a rear collision warning system; a frontal collision warning system; a pedestrian warning system with city collision mitigation; cross traffic alert rear with back up camera; speed limit information; stability control; and all-wheel drive

Standard Equipment (Plug-In): 19-inch wheels; an electric motor; an 8-speed automatic transmission; an all-wheel drive system; leather-like seats; power front heated seats; a 12-inch digital instrument cluster; haptic controls for the iDrive; power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; 3-spoke leather steering wheel; a navigation system; a keyless entry system; a panoramic sunroof; real time traffic with street parking availability; and power folding heated side mirrors

Other Trims:

X5 – gasoline only models

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: M Sport Package: 21-inch M wheels, roof rails in high gloss shadow line, wood trim, M steering wheel, aerodynamic kit, leather seats; Driving Assistance Professional Package; extended traffic jam assistant, active cruise control with stop and go, lane keep assistant with side collision avoidance, steering and traffic jam assistant, evasion assistant and front cross traffic alert; Executive Package: panoramic sky lounge; rear manual side shades, a four zone ventilation system, LED headlights with laserlights, heads up display (HUD), Harman Kardon surround sound system, wireless charging, gesture control, Wi-Fi hotspot, enhanced USB and Bluetooth; sport brakes with blue calipers; front and rear heated seats; heated front seat armrests; and multi-contour seats

 

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: 10-speaker AM/FM audio with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes
                                                                                                        
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Electrification Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder turbo/389-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium/Electricity

Standard Fuel Mileage:
50-MPGe

What’s New: The big news is that the X5 joins the electrification movement in 2021.

Why: 

BMW ‘drive’ its midsize SUV/crossover to electrification

A longer electric drive range than the competition

Roomy cabin

Peppy engine

AWD standard

Three driving modes

Engaging driving experience

19, 20 or 21-inch wheels

Panoramic roof

Wireless charging

Optional Harman Kardon premium audio system

Contour front row seats

Latest semi-driving assistant safety features

Technology-infused vehicle

But: 

No ventilated seats on this model

The Apps don’t read texts

An extremely limited charging range, 31 MPG on a charge

Pricey, when adding-on options

Verdict:  Ironically, there is a lot of competition in the luxury midsized plug-in space. This year BMW’s X5 joins the competition. The X5 xDrive45e offers the longest driving range with a charging range up to 31 miles, while the competition ranges from a low of 14 to a high of 19. All of the vehicles in this segment are also fueled by both premium gas and electricity.

Moreover, both the BMW and the Porsche Cayenne are priced higher than the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. With a starting price in the $83,000 range, the Porsche is the priciest of the group.

Overall, the BMW is the roomiest of the competitive set. The BMW, when optioned out, can easily climb to the level of the starting price of the Porsche Cayenne. Furthermore, the BMW doesn’t sacrifice performance, style or engaging driving experience, while also offering a longer electric driving range.

Competition: Audi Q5 Plug-In; Porsche Cayenne Plug-In and Volvo XC60 AWD Plug-In