The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive 50e: High Tech at a High Price

Last year, we drove a mint-condition, first-generation BMW X5. This was among the first wave of unibody luxury SUVs in the '90s and early 2000s-vehicles that paved the way for the glut of high-riding, high-rolling rigs that dominate showrooms today. That original X5 drove with composure and verve typical of BMW in that era, albeit with truck-like heft and stiffer-than-expected ride. Think Ultimate Driving Machine… on stilts.

Driving the 2024 BMW X5 illustrates the evolution of a successful formula over 23 years, as well as how priorities have so dramatically changed. Treated to a flashy but substantial mid-cycle refresh this year, five years after the launch of the "G05" chassis for 2019, the X5 is a technological showcase that stages these elements front and center. All X5s are now electrified, with mild-hybrid setups for the straight-six and V-8, plus the plug-in hybrid seen here: the X5 xDrive 50e. The 50e replaces the outgoing 45e plug-in hybrid, bringing with it a slew of meaningful performance upgrades that include an EPA-rated 38-mile pure-electric range-eight miles better than before.

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Primary power for the X5 xDrive 50e comes from an all-new turbo inline-six that displaces the same 3.0 liters as the engine it replaces. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with an integrated synchronous electric motor, the new engine itself produces 308 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor makes 194 hp-an increase of 83 hp from the outgoing X5 45e-that brings total system output to 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to this 100-hp improvement from the outgoing plug-in X5, the 50e can scoot to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. That matches the 2010 Ford Mustang GT500's pace, which made its muscle with a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8. All this despite the plug-in X5's copious5573 pounds of heft.

A healthy chunk of that weight belongs to the 19.2-kWh battery situated under the floor. Along with 12 percent better storage capacity, the lithium-ion unit also boasts improved charging speed. Compared with non-plug-in X5s, the 50e sacrifices only two cubic feet of cargo capacity to accommodate its battery.

Specs: 2024 BMW X5 xDrive 50e

• Price: $73,495 / $$87,745 (base / as-tested)
• Powertrain: 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6; integrated synchronous electric motor; eight-speed automatic transmission
• Output: 483 hp; 516 lb-ft
• Layout: Front-engine, four-door, five-passenger, all-wheel-drive SUV
• Weight: 5573 pounds
• 0-60: 4.6 seconds
• Top Speed: 130 mph
• EPA Fuel Economy (combined): 22 mpg (gasoline only); 58 MPGe; 38 miles EV range
• Competitors: Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e, Volvo XC90 Recharge, Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid

Standard equipment for this X5 includes a panoramic moonroof, heated sport seats, a parking assistant, BMW's Curved Display with iDrive 8 software, the Active Driving Assistance safety suite, and two-axle air suspension. In addition, the vehicle we tested arrived at our Ann Arbor, Michigan office with Brooklyn Grey paint ($650), the M Sport package ($2750), Driving Assistance Pro package $2100, M Sport Package including 21-inch wheels and performance run-flat tires ($3700), M Sport Professional package ($850) to add painted calipers and extended Shadowline trim, Parking assistance package ($900), Executive Package ($3950), Climate comfort package ($1350), and Multi-contour seats ($750). Not to be forgotten, destination fees total $995.

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All told, this chunky mid-size luxury sedan totals $87,745. Is it worth that much? Well, the X5 certainly looks the part. The redesigned exterior is edgier and more angular than its predecessor, and the interior comes packed with showy electronics. The multi-contour seats are some of the most comfortable on the market, and the massage function-controlled with a handy switch on the outside of the seat-is a godsend on longer highway trips.

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The look of the interior won't appeal to traditionalists, but most functions work intuitively and without fuss. Unlike that original X5, space is plentiful here both in the back seat and cargo area. A family of four would have no trouble fitting luggage for a weekend away. One blissful element from the original X5 remains-the split tailgate, which is fantastic for both loading large pieces of luggage and sitting on in a parking lot before a college football game.

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The center screen dominates the experience, navigable either by touch or rotary knob control. The software is quick to respond to inputs, and menus are generally clear, but we wish the climate controls could be adjusted with physical buttons instead of the screen. The heads-up display is particularly well-designed and easy to read-a useful contrast to the confusing and illegible digital cluster graphics. Interior materials are high quality and fit to exacting standards, albeit with a somewhat futuristic bent; note the gorgeous wood trim on the passenger-side dashboard, pierced right through the center with a row of illuminated arrow graphics. This sort of thing impresses people when they first get into the vehicle, which matters if you're the kind of person who buys a BMW for flexing purposes.

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One more bit of futuristic tech: an adaptive braking feature that recuperates energy back into the battery. This system works similarly to the way adaptive cruise control works on the freeway; when sensors identify a vehicle approaching ahead, the electric motor runs in reverse to decelerate the vehicle. The difference here is that BMW's system can operate in regular traffic conditions around town, without cruise control engaged. The system gently and subtly slows the X5 down, which cues the driver to then blend in physical braking, or, in instances such as when a red light is about to change to green, avoid the brake pedal entirely. We were initially skeptical and a bit put off by this system, which can be deactivated, but it works beautifully in practice. After a couple of days, it became second nature and added a sense of ease to driving-crucial to a successful luxury car but rarely executed with such a seamless result. Bravo, BMW.

The X5 also does a great job hitting the basics. The Executive Package's full-LED headlights are outstanding, fully illuminating the path ahead for us on pitch-black forest roads in northern Michigan. Interior storage is generous, particularly in the door pockets. The cabin is quiet, whether in pure-EV mode or not, and the entire camera system is brilliant. (We're talking about a big SUV, so you tend to use it often in the suburbs or city.)

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Strong, swift response from the electric motor gives the X5 ample torque for passing on the highway. Body control at high speed is excellent, thanks to that air suspension that makes constant but imperceptible adjustments (ride height can also be switched on the fly using a button near the gear selector), and maneuvering around parking lots and city streets poses no obstacles. Impacts on rough city pavement or pockmarked dirt roads are, however, rough; we chalk it up to the 21-inch wheels and low-profile run-flats.

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As is the case with many battery-electric vehicles, the pain point here is the price. The plug-in X5 is about $7000 more expensive than the car it replaces, bringing the premium over the X5 xDrive40i (3.0-liter gas inline-six with mild hybrid) to about $5300. That used to be more or less erased by federal tax credits, for which the X5 is no longer eligible as of 2024. And anyone who has shopped for a BMW will feel the pain of this vehicle's lengthy and weighty options list, which adds about $15,000 of cost. On the flip side, if you can go light on the upgrades and merely crave the 50e's superior grunt-or plug-in-at-home practicality-the X5 50e may be worth the stretch. And for reference, its $73,495 MSRP is priced nearly right on top of the Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4MATIC, which asks $72,500 before any options and boasts 10 miles of additional claimed electric range.

It is remarkable to see how the X5 has changed since that original 25 years ago. What hasn't changed, however, is that the model is still a leader in its segment, and this nicely executed plug-in hybrid should be more compelling than ever for BMW families who want effortless power and respectable efficiency.

2024 BMW X5 xDrive 50e

Price: $73,495 / $87,745 (base / as-tested)

Highs: Excellent body control, smooth blend of hybrid and gas power. Interior materials and technology are well executed. Useful real-world pure-EV range.

Lows: Immense weight, little driver feedback, rough ride on less-than-perfect roads. Also, high cost even compared with the PHEV X5 it replaces.

Takeaway: The plug-in X5 keeps getting better, but you need to pay up for the privilege.

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