
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
Vehicle Type: SUV/Minivan Hybrid
80
overall score
Category Ranking: 6
Vehicle Price
Base Price:
$65,400
Price as Tested:
$81,695
Fuel Information
Fuel Type: Electricity/midgrade
Fuel Capacity (gal): 18.2
120V Charge Time: 2.3 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 6 miles per hour
EPA City mpg: 19
EPA Highway mpg: 22
EPA Combined mpg: 20
EPA Combined MPGe: 42
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 30
Advanced Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control [O]
- Advanced Headlights [S]
- Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
- Blind-Spot Warning [S]
- Driver Monitoring [S]
- Forward-Collision Warning [S]
- Lane-Departure Warning [S]
- Lane-Keeping Assistance [O]
- Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
- [S] Standard, [O] Optional
Overall Observations
The highly popular BMW X5 midsize luxury crossover has been
traveling U.S. roads for more than 2 decades; the fourth generation
debuted in 2019. In 2021, BMW brought back a plug-in hybrid
variant, the xDrive45e, with an all-electric range of 30 miles.
The 45e is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (282 hp)
and an electric motor (111 hp), good for 389 hp total and 443 lb-ft of
torque. This gives the 45e a 0 - 60 time of about 5.3 seconds - quick for
a heavy SUV - and the brakes do a good job of bringing it to a stop.
The X5’s exterior remains unchanged; the roomy cabin features
headroom aplenty and comfortable, heated front and rear seats.
BMW’s attractive digital instrument cluster and infotainment system
are a big improvement over earlier iDrive systems. Our test vehicle
featured a nice package of advanced safety features, including
optional adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assist and trafficjam
assist.
The xDrive45e could be a compelling alternative to the standard
X5, especially if you drive most of your daily miles on electricity.
Additionally, a $7,500 federal tax credit drops the PHEV’s base price
to more than $5,000 below that of the standard X5 xDrive40i.
Want to buy this car?
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strong Points
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain
- Plenty of advancedsafety features
- Sporty, bold-lookingexterior design
Weak Points
- Some cheap interiorplastic
- Expensive, even thoughnot fully loaded
- Lane-keeping system istoo aggressive
Vehicle Specifications
Model year tested: 2021
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 5820.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 194.3 / 78.9 / 68.7
Wheelbase (in): 117.1
Number of air bags: 7
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Pirelli P-Zero
Front and rear tire size: 275/40 R21
Max towing capacity (lbs): 7200
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Hybrid drive
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: 3.0L Inline-6 turbo
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 282 @ 5000
Electric motor horsepower: 111
Combined system horsepower: 389
Test Data
Test Vehicle Scores
Advanced Safety Features:
8.40Fuel Efficiency:
5.77EPA Emissions Score:
7.00Acceleration:
7.52Braking:
8.13Handling:
6.56Ride Quality:
7.76Interior Size:
4.11Easy of Entry and Exit:
7.02Visibility:
7.59Interior Noise:
8.06Cargo Capacity:
3.06
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Car Guide Categories:
- SUV/Minivan |
- Large |
- Midsize |
- Small |
- Pickup |
All Makes:
IIHS Top Safety Pick Vehicles: