The call for making energy-efficient, electrified vehicles has recently been high. With the X5 xDrive45e, BMW had the opportunity to continue with the rich legacy of the traditional X5 while paving the way for future electrified X5s. They delivered with both hands and with room for more. This review will help you decide if it's worth the price and a place in your garage. So, if you're looking for something exciting and efficient to drive, you're in the right place.
The 2023 BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV is most notably a plug-in hybrid, but that is not the only edge it has. It comes from a lineup (the X5 series) that parades high-performers like the X5 M50i and the top-tier X5 M, so it does have some large shoes to fill. Does it? Yes, but in its own unique environmentally friendly way. And it proves that sheer power is not the biggest arrow in the quiver, at least for some people. For the 2023 model year, BMW ensured the X5 xDdrive45e gets a generous share of firepower and tech offerings so you can enjoy your driving experiences without compromising on your eco-friendly stance.
A 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine joins forces with an electric motor to power the BMW X5 xDrive45e hybrid, and the result is impressive. The 2023 X5 xDrive45e's performance numbers are 389 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque with a 5.3 seconds 60mph time. The horsepower numbers are surpassed by the Volvo XC90 and the base model Porsche Cayenne (both 455hp). Notwithstanding, this plug-in hybrid has a lot of things going for it as it serves as a middle ground for those who fancy quick acceleration and take efficiency seriously. The X5 xDrive45e enjoys smooth shifts and good traction thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system. The SUV can draw out approximately 31 miles of pure electric driving from its plug-in hybrid powertrain for daily commuting. It switches back to the turbo engine to keep you going when the electric power is exhausted.
Nothing feels forced or lackadaisical inside the xDrive45e's cabin; every detail is neatly done. Look around, and you'll spot the heated seats, which are adjustable in multiple ways and covered in trim sensation upholstery material. The driver's seat has two memory settings, thigh extension, and power-adjustable lumbar support. The driver also gets a heated, adjustable steering wheel for controlling the car. The steering is silky smooth to turn and responds swiftly to turns and inputs. While the 45e omits the heads-up display, a glass moonroof offers some quality view overhead and dual-zone automatic climate control for those sweltering days. As for cargo space, you'll have 33.1 cubic feet behind the second-row seats to play with. Expectedly, you can fold down the rear seats to double the storage space available.
The 2023 BMW X5 xDrive45e is an impressive sight on the road, standing 68.7 inches tall while enjoying a ground clearance of 8.3 inches. If you have seen any of the other cars in the X5 lineup, then you have probably already seen the 45e. The Kidney grille is an ever-present fixture at the front, and the LED headlamps still flank the grille. The satin aluminum accents in front glisten whenever the sun casts its rays on them. At the rear, dual exhaust outlets slot into the lower bumper for a sporty look. Charging time for the X5 xDrive45e is between 5 and 10 hours, depending on the charging setup you go for. You'll find the well-tended 19-inch multi-spoke aluminum wheels sitting princely in its wheel well to reinforce the car's athletic and elegant stance.
The latest iDrive infotainment leads the cast of headliners in the infotainment and tech lineup here, and it gets a dual 12.3-inch display setup to work with. You can expect an intuitive interface that counts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto among its smartphone connectivity options. You will also find the SiriusXM, Bluetooth audio, and satellite radio provisions. The technology extends to safety as the SUV has a 360-degree camera system that provides 3D views for seamless parking. Then there's a comprehensive driver assistance package, with features ranging from blind spot and lane departure to collision warnings and emergency braking.
With a starting price of $69,915, the xDrive does not come cheap. But you get the feeling that that price is right on the bang. By comparison, the 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge and the Porsche Cayenne E-hybrid costs upwards of $72,000 and $85,000, respectively. You can get upgrades that suit your preferences for a couple thousand more bucks, although you can't buy your way to a hundred more horsepower.
The 2023 BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid offers a glimpse into the future of green, premium transportation, and the picture is crystal clear. This SUV provides enough firepower, efficiency, and tech-centric features to justify its status as a luxury SUV. Its plug-in hybrid design is not just an eco-friendly badge of honor; it provides extra mileage and energy cost savings, among other things. If you like what you've read and want to see things yourself, check out Exotic Car Trader today. We offer a premium car-buying experience that is only fitting for the caliber and quality of cars we represent. You can scour through our extensive inventory to find your perfect match. And if you want to sell, we can help you get it over the line.
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