BMW is marching towards new mobility solutions with the launch of the second generation of the plug-in hybrid X5.
The U.S. X5 xDrive45e arrives with a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower turbocharged internal combustion engine (replacing the previous generation’s 2.0 liter 4-cylinder TwinPower turbocharged motor) BMW’s latest eDrive technology and a larger, more advanced high-voltage electric battery.
The combined power of the new PHEV drivetrain is 389 hp, a bump of 81 hp over the previous generation. Torque is now 443 ft-lb, an increase of 111 ft-lbs. 0 to 60 mph acceleration time is 5.3 seconds, 1.2 seconds faster than before. The prodigious amount of torque also allows for a factory-installed optional trailer hitch (rated for 7,200 lbs. of towing).
The high-voltage battery grows in size to 24 kWh, up from the previous X5 xDrive40e’s 12 kWh capacity. As a result, electric-only range doubles from a previous EPA rating of 14 miles to a new EPA estimated 30-mile range. Electric-only top speed increases from 75 mph to 84 mph. The high-voltage battery is positioned in the underbody of the X5, minimizing impact on cargo space. With the rear seats up, cargo space is only 0.8 cubic feet less than the standard X5. With the rear seats folded, cargo space is 1.1 cubic feet less.
The standard Live Cockpit Professional in the BMW X5 xDrive45e brings the latest-generation of BMW’s iDrive interface and is composed of a high-resolution digital 12.3” instrument cluster display behind the steering wheel and a 12.3” touchscreen center display. The system offers haptic controls for the iDrive controller, an advanced tablet-like touch interface, stunning visualizations and the largest displays in BMW’s vehicle lineup.
The new 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e offers standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Google Assistant, Google Maps, music streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music and the WhatsApp messaging service are now available to both iPhone and Android users.
