“An old dog can learn new tricks.”
If the Jeep Wagoneer is the grandfather of the modern-day SUV, the BMW X5 is surely its father. Debuting in 1999, the X5 was really the first SUV that truly captured the essence of Sport in SUV. It was an all-wheel drive vehicle with high driving position that actually had spirited driving dynamics.
For 2021, BMW adds to its X5 pedigree and teaches this old dog some new, environmentally friendly tricks. The top tier non M X5 is the 45e, a plugin hybrid system (PHEV) that combines a silky smooth turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and an electric motor for a total output of 394 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. For those that want to know 111 of those ponies come from the electric motor. This 24.0-kWh battery electric 48 volt pack can provide up to 45 kilometers of electric-only driving range. Mix all these goodies together with some Msport accents, wheels and magic, and what you have is one of the most handsome midsize SUV’s currently available. The output translates to a 0 to 100km sprint in 5.6 seconds.
For 2021, BMW adds to its X5 pedigree and teaches this old dog some new, environmentally friendly tricks. The top tier non M X5 is the 45e, a plugin hybrid system (PHEV) that combines a silky smooth turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and an electric motor for a total output of 394 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. For those that want to know 111 of those ponies come from the electric motor. This 24.0-kWh battery electric 48 volt pack can provide up to 45 kilometers of electric-only driving range. Mix all these goodies together with some Msport accents, wheels and magic, and what you have is one of the most handsome midsize SUV’s currently available. The output translates to a 0 to 100km sprint in 5.6 seconds.
For direct comparison the X5 45e has the likes of the Volvo XC90 T8 or Range Rover Sport PHEV. Former competition from the likes of Acura is no longer an issue as they do not offer a PHEV or Hybrid option. The Volvo falls short on range, providing just under 30km of EV only range and although the XC90 and Ranger Rover Sport are good looking vehicles in their own right, they lack the pedigree of the X5 and its melding of a muscular stance and shoulders with clean luxurious lines. These are only further accentuated by the blackout accent package that gives the X5 a menacing looking front end with its large active kidney grill and air vents.
With an as tested price of $100,400.00 the X5 45e is not a bargain. However, it slots in to the middle of its competitor pack and actually offers something Mercedes cannot with its GLE, an option for its buyers to tickle their hidden environmentalist. With a decent amount range and the average BC driver only driving about 35 km per day, the X5 45e would allow you to drive and leave your conscience guilt free. At the same time, it would allow them to drive as far as they want, whenever they want with no range anxiety at all, a melding of two perfect worlds.
