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0BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Exterior0

– * Identical to regular X5

– * New-generation design

– * Specific badges

– * Blue accents

– * Overall sporty looks


2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Exterior
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Much like its predecessor, the hybrid X5 looks identical to its conventional sibling.

The front fascia is a perfect copy, with identical grille, bumper vents, and headlamps. While some hybrids feature special badges and trim, usually with blue accents, BMW skipped such elements. Yes, you probably noticed those blue lines in the middle of the headlamps, but they’re available on the regular X5 too, as they’re part of the company’s new “laser” light units.

The hybrid model is easier to identify when you look at the sides, though. Here, the features are again identical to the standard X5, but the SUV boasts “i” badges on the front doors and “BMW” wheel center hubs highlighted in blue. It also has blue brake calipers, although they aren’t necessarily exclusive to the hybrid version. Around back, the hybrid X5 is yet again almost impossible to set apart from the regular SUV. You will be able to recognize it by the small “45e” badge under the right-side taillights though.

0BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Interior0

– * Identical to standard X5

– * Additional buttons for Hybrid and Electric mods

– * Hybrid-specific menus and apps

– * Blue-accented instrument cluster

– * Premium features

– * State-of-the-art tech

– * Loads of options


2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Interior
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BMW didn’t have much to say about the SUV’s interior, but the photos reveal the cabin is identical to the standard model. No surprises here, obviously.

At first glance, you’ll notice mild changes to the center console, which includes additional buttons for the “Hybrid” and “Electric” modes.

The infotainment display should also include a couple of new menus and apps for the vehicle’s hybrid and EV-only modes. The instrument cluster has been upgraded too and now displays information about battery use, mileage, and charging. The rev counter and speedometer also have blue highlights.

As far as tech goes, it borrows all the cool features seen on the regular X5, including the 12.3-inch displays, a hew head-up display, and a premium audio system. The options list includes a Bowers & Wilkins audio unit with 20 speakers and 1,500 watts, an ambient air system that can disperse eight scents, cooled and heated cup holders, and wireless phone charging.


2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Interior
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You can also opt for a 10.2-inch entertainment system for rear-seat passengers, multi-function massage seats, four-zone climate control, and a Sky Lounge panoramic roof with 15,000 illuminated graphic patterns. The hybrid SUV also benefits from the latest X5’s larger interior. However, because of the battery’s placement in the underbody, the center of gravity is lower.

There is one key area where the hybrid suffers compared to the standard model: the trunk.

The xDrive45e iPerformance offers 500 liters (17.6 cubic feet) of storage space with all seats in use, a decrease of almost 146 liters (5.1 cubic feet).

When the rear seats are folded flat, luggage room increases to 1,716 liters (60.6 cubic feet), which accounts for a 144-liter decrease (5.08 cubic feet).

All told, you get the exact same features as in the regular X5, but you need to sacrifice some luggage room for the hybrid drivetrain.

0BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Drivetrain And Performances0

– * 3.0-liter inline-six

– * Powerful electric motor

– * Total output of 394 horsepower

– * Up to 443 pound-feet of torque

– * 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds

– * Top speed of 146 mph

– * EV range of 50 miles

– * EV top speed at 87 mph


2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Exterior
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While the previous plug-in hybrid model combined electricity with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, the new iPerformance model incorporates a larger, 3.0-liter six-cylinder.

It’s an interesting choice to say the least given that the hybrid 7 Series comes with a four-cylinder under the hood.

Anyway, the inline-six mill is quite powerful and generates 286 horsepower on its own. The electric motor pumps an additional 112 horsepower to the front axle, which gives the X5 xDrive45e a total output of 394 horsepower and a whopping 443 pound-feet of twist. This is a notable increase over the old model, which came with 308 horsepower and 332 pound-feet on tap. It’s safe to say that the 86-horsepower and 111-pound-foot increase is decent enough for the new generation.


2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Interior
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Of course, new internals and more power means better performance too.

While the old hybrid needs 6.8 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start, the xDrive45e reaches the benchmark more than a full second quicker at 5.6 ticks.

Top speed also increased slightly from 130 to 146 mph. Sure, it’s not as fast as most Bimmers, which are limited to 155 mph, but you definitely won’t miss the extra nine mph.

Moving over to what matters most, BMW says the xDrive45e needs 2.1 liters of gas for every 100 miles when used in hybrid mode. That’s a big drop from the old model’s 3.3-liter per 100 km rating. Emissions have improved too from 77 grams per km to only 49.


2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Exterior
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When operated in all-electric mode, the SUV isn’t as fast, but it will still accelerate up to 87 mph, 12 mph more than its predecessor.

More importantly, the extended storage capacity of the new lithium-ion battery enables the X5 to run for up to 80 km (50 miles) on electric power only.

The previous hybrid managed only 23 km (14 miles).

Beyond this, the xDrive45e is pretty much a regular X5. As a result, it comes with the familiar eight-speed Steptronic transmission with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The air suspension with electronically controlled dampers is also standard.

BMW doesn’t say a word on towing capacity, but it should be similar to the standard model. As such, it should be able to haul as much as 5,952 pounds when using a trailer with brakes and up to 1,652 pounds with no brakes. Of course, you’ll be able to use the X5 to tow trailers only if you install the towing package.

0BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Prices0


2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Exterior
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Pricing information is not yet available, but the xDrive45e iPerformance should cost more than the xDrive40i model, which retails from $60,700. My best guess is that it could start from around $71,000.

0BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Competition0

1Audi Q7 e-tron1


2017 - 2018 Audi Q7 High Resolution Exterior
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Launched in 2016, the second-generation Q7 is among the very few SUVs in this segment that benefit from a hybrid drivetrain. Called the Q7 e-tron, the plug-in hybrid is a bit different though, as it pairs a diesel engine to the electric motor-generator. Audi went with a 3.0-liter V-6 and a 94-kW electric motor placed in the eight-speed automatic gearbox. The combo delivers 373 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That’s a 21-horsepower deficit compared to the X5, but an extra 73 pound-feet. The Q7 is a tad slower, needing 6.2 seconds to hit 62 mph. It’s top speed is also inferior at 140 mph in hybrid mode and 84 mph in EV mode, but not by much. When it comes to all-electric range, the Q7 e-tron provides up to 35 miles per charge, 15 miles less than the Bimmer. On the emissions front, it’s rated at 50 grams of CO2 per 100 km, on par with the X5.

A second e-tron model powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder is also available, but only in Asian markets. Interestingly enough, this version is as powerful as the V-6 model and quicker from 0 to 62 mph. On the other hand, top speed, mileage, and CO2 emissions are slightly inferior. The Q7 e-tron is not available in the U.S., but pricing starts from £67,550 in the United Kingdom.

Read our full review of the 2018 Audi Q7 e-tron.

1Volvo XC90 T81


2016 Volvo XC90 T8 High Resolution Exterior Wallpaper quality
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A four-cylinder SUV only, the XC90 comes in hybrid guise with a “T8” badge. Unlike the competition, however, which pairs electric motors with turbocharged gas or diesel engines, the XC90 boasts an engine that’s both turbocharged and supercharged under the hood. The 2.0-liter unit spins the front axle, while the electric motor puts the rear axle in motion. Total output comes in at 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet — more oomph than the competition — but the all-electric range isn’t exactly impressive at 25 miles. Total fuel consumption is on par with the X5 xDrive45e, though, at 2.1 liters per 100 km. The Swedish SUV is pretty quick too, needing 5.6 seconds to hit 62 mph, on its way to a top speed of 143 mph. Unlike the German competition, the XC90 is available in the U.S. in hybrid trim, retailing from $66,300.

Read our full story on the 2018 Volvo XC90.

1Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid1


2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Exterior
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Porsche has been offering a hybrid version of the Cayenne since 2010 and the third-gen SUV brought a significant update to the model. Called the E-Hybrid, it’s the most powerful offering of this niche. Pairing a 3.0-liter V-6 gas engine and an electric motor, just like the Volkswagen Touareg, it cranks out a solid 456 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque. The Cayenne is obviously the quickest of the bunch, needing only 4.7 seconds to charge to 62 mph. Its top speed is also higher than the rest at 157 mph. EPA estimates are not yet available, but expect the E-Hybrid to deliver competitive all-electric range, combined consumption, and CO2 emissions. Unlike BMW and Audi, Porsche offers a higher performance hybrid. It’s called the Turbo S E-Hybrid and combines a 4.0-liter V-8 with the electric motor for an insane output of 670 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of twist. Pricing starts from $79,900.

Read our full review of the 2018 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid.

0Conclusion0


2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Exterior
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For some reason, BMW is a bit behind the competition when it comes to electrifying its lineup. What’s more, it has fallen behind the non-premium competition as well. Not only it has only a couple of EVs, but it also doesn’t have too many hybrids, while the existing ones are far from impressive when it comes to specs. The new X5 xDrive45e iPerformance comes to fix some of that with more power, improved fuel consumption, and a higher all-electric range. Sure, it’s not where it’s supposed to be given the badge, but it’s a good start.

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    • * Needs better EV range
    • * Is it coming to the U.S.?

0Further reading0


2019 BMW X5
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Read our full review on the 2019 BMW X5.


2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e High Resolution Exterior
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Read our full review on the 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e.

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Read more BMW news.