When BMW Malaysia launched this all-new X5 luxury SUV, it was right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.
After the success of the previous X5 which was launched in June 2016, the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) emerges exactly 48 months later at a selling price of US$109,203 (RM440,745) with a strong 8-year or 160,000 kilometers plug-in hybrid battery warranty.
There is also a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with a free scheduled service program to ensure seamless ownership for Malaysian buyers.
It must be noted that the 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e enjoyed a great low-emission and tax-friendly selling price of just US$96,350 (RM388,880), as the actual selling price without tax benefits would have been US$144,200 (RM582,000).
This gave wealthy Malaysians the opportunity to have this large, luxurious seven-seater SUV in their garage while saving a whopping US$47,847 (RM193,112).
What you get underneath
Under the hood is a 3.0-litre and 286hp in-line 6-cylinder engine from the current BMW EfficientDynamics drive family and the fourth generation of BMW eDrive technology.
An electric motor with an output of 113hp, a lithium-ion battery with a gross energy content increased to 24.0 kWh and further developed power electronics for intelligent energy management give the plug-in hybrid system of the BMW X5 xDrive45e unique performance characteristics as well as an impressive level of efficiency.
Together, the two drive units generate a system output of 394hp along with a maximum system torque of 600Nm.
The combustion engine and electric motor deliver their power to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission of the latest generation and the intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive.
The drive torque is transferred to all four wheels when driving on electric power alone, as well as when using the combustion engine or both drive units.
This ensures sporty driving pleasure on the road and also good off-road performance – which most owners will never participate in to keep their luxurious paintwork shining bright.
Speed-wise, this new BMW X5 xDrive 45e tops it off at 235km/h and takes 5.6 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100km/h, which is 1.2 seconds less than the predecessor model.
Looks are deceiving
At first impression, it is hard to tell the difference between this new model and the outgoing model from the side and rear.
But, it is the large imposing front face that informs you that it is a brand new X5.
A wheelbase that is 42mm longer than its predecessor’s, a 36mm increase in vehicle length, an extra 66mm of width and a 19mm increase in height give this new BMW X5 both an imposing appearance and generous levels of space for passengers and their luggage.
Cabin changes
Step inside and you will notice the improved features along the traditional-looking BMW dashboard.
The fully-digital instrument cluster and the Control Display are connected visually by the consistency of design and also share the same graphics.
The centre console hosts the Controller, the newly designed transmission selector lever and all other driving-related controls which are the Driving Experience Control switch, the start/stop ignition button and the buttons to activate the air suspension settings and off-road modes.
Plus, there is a new-look control panel for the air conditioning.
The X5 test drive
From the moment of opening the large wide driver’s door, there was a sense of occasion as this X5 was sitting rather imposingly on the tarmac.
The test vehicle was not in a flattering colour, as it was in this plain white colour instead. White did not show the lines of this ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ SAV in its best form.
When the 3.0L engine was ignited, it responded with an initial growl and quickly settled into a muted rumble. Insulation was great, the wide front seats were comfortable and the view around was quite good.
Motorists on the road in heavy traffic kept their attention on this vehicle due to its dramatic new nose treatment.
As soon as there was an opening in traffic, the accelerator pedal was pressed with added enthusiasm and the unmistakable power delivery from both powertrains working together was immediately felt.
Yes, despite its heft, this 3.0L turbocharged engine felt light and sprightly. With a massive 600Nm of torque available, the drive mode was kept in ‘sport’ to exploit this SAV.
Yes, it’s well-built, quick, brimming with technology with quality fitment around the cabin. But it does not look very different from its outgoing model which means that older X5 owners might have fewer reasons to upgrade.
But when you put this X5 side by side with its immediate rival, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG which was launched in March 2019 for US$156,980 (RM633,888), this X5 plug-in hybrid makes a lot of sense.
However, let’s not discount the latest version of the Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV, which offers similar levels of luxury and driving pleasure (with third-row seating included) at a selling price of just US$92,592 (RM373,888).
Take all three vehicles for a test drive yourself and make that decision to purchase after feeling all three vehicles at the edge of your palms.
BMW X5 xDrive45e Specifications
Engine: 6-cylinder Turbo Petrol + Electric Motor
Capacity: 2998cc
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
Max Output: 394bhp (113hp electric)
Max Torque: 600Nm (265Nm electric)
0-100km/h: 5.6 seconds
Top Speed: 235km/h
Price: US$109,203 (RM440,745.00)
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