BMW BMW X5 xDrive45e plugin hybrid driving report
07.11.2019
One year after the market launch of the new G05 generation of the BMW X5, the model with a plug is now also in the starting blocks. The BMW X5 xDrive45e continues the plug-in chapter of the previous series, but with a much more serious approach. While the old X5 xDrive40e achieved an effective electric range of 21 kilometers in the auto motor und sport-Tes t , BMW is now promising between 67 and 97 pure, depending on the calculation method and the scope of equipment electrically driven kilometers per battery charge.
This confusion in the range information is due to the bad habit of the manufacturers, who calculate the consumption information determined according to the new WLTP cycle back to the old NEDC value. BMW also mentions four different range specifications in the information on the X5 xDrive45e. This number acrobatics is not very customer-friendly, so first take a look at the real technology of the new BMW X5 xDrive45e.>
BMW
Six instead of four-cylinder: BMW has retrofitted
And it differs very clearly from the plug-in hybrid of the previous generation. This already begins with the combustion part of the PHEV-X5, where instead of the previous four-cylinder, the potent three-liter six-cylinder with twin-scroll turbo and 286 hp is waiting to be used. The electric part is taken over by an electric motor with a maximum output of 83 kW and 265 Newton meters of torque. In contrast to other BMW PHEVs like the 225xe, the synchronous electric motor in the BMW X5 xDrive45e is integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic. In this way, both the e-machine andthe combustion engine drive all four wheels.
In addition to the significant increase in drive performance (cumulative system output 394 PS, system torque 600 Nm), a considerably larger high-voltage battery now also ensures that the electric car feels long-lasting. The lithium-ion battery can store 24 kWh; after subtracting the system-related reserves, 20.9 kWh net remain for the electric drive. To put that in perspective: The first BMW i3 had a battery capacity of 22 kWh, of which around 19 kWh could be effectively used.
More battery than the first i3 electric BMW
All of this information can be reduced to two key statements about the new BMW X5 xDrive45e: It goes really fast and quite a long when powered. Customers will be able to adjust to a real range of 70 to 80 kilometers under optimal conditions, which is quite a number in the plugin warehouse. However, the rival from Stuttgart put forward more powerfully: The new Mercedes GLE 350 de 4-Matic PHEV not only uses diesel instead of gasoline on the combustion side, it also has a significantly larger battery on board with 31.2 kWh.
With the BMW, the partially electric drive means certain restrictions when transporting luggage, while the larger battery takes up around 150 liters of storage space. However, that is still enough for vacation trips and bulk shopping: 500 to 1,720 liters can be stowed in the Plugin-X5.
BMW
Enough for the whole family despite the battery limitation: the load compartment of the BMW X5 xDrive45e
With the exception of the modified displays and the E-specific switches on the center console, the BMW X5 xDrive45e does not differ from its conventionally powered colleagues. However, BMW has expanded the standard equipment to include the height-adjustable air suspension with electronically controlled dampers and also pulls on 19-inch models for free - that was due to the differences in equipment.
So the X5 plug-in hybrid also drives like a G05 -X5 drives: smooth, serviceable and (not only because of the electric drive) very quiet. Even when the Reihensechser goes to work under the hood, it is little more than oneTo hear whispers, that only increases with heavy feet. But somehow the big hybrid, although it is the most powerful X5 below the M models, does not quite have this need for excessively fast movement. It is better to whisper slowly towards the horizon, knowing full well that you could, but just don't want to.
Various hybrid modes
At the push of a button, you can now do this from the BMW hybrids, switch between different operating modes. In this way, normal hybrid operation can remain activated on long journeys, in which the clever electronics decide for themselves which engine has to work when. Or the all-electric operation can be forced, with which up to 135 km /h are possible. Incidentally, the BMW X5 xDrive45e is then no longer extremely fast, because you can feel the 2.5 tons that want to be balanced with the electric drive. Another option is to save electricity, for example to cover the last kilometers at the destination without emissions. A variant that can also be combined with route guidance in the navigation system in the new PHEV generation of the X5.
BMW
No fame sheet - the confusing instruments of the BMW X5 xDrive45e
What Worth a separate mention are the digital instruments, which were already good for some discussions. With the additional display options of the hybrid drive, these are not exactly clearer. The fact that it is better to invest in the optional head-up display for a clearly legible speedometer is quite a bit strange.
Another point of criticism concerns the charging technology of the BMW X5 xDrive45e. It is surprising that at a base price of almost 80,000 euros, only a cheap single-phase charger is installed, which trickles into the battery with a maximum of 3.7 kW. Especially since a look at Stuttgart reveals that there is another way: The new Mercedes GLE PHEV even gets a CCS fast charging connection on its way. With a range of around 100 kilometers, this is not a stupid idea, because even on long journeys with a short coffee stop, a relevant route can be stashed up.
