The BMW X5 is a bit of a golden child these days. What started as a lukewarm and somewhat confused reception has heated up to steamy critical reception and customer sentiment, thanks to classic good looks, sharp handling, and a comfortable ride. Today, the X5 in all guises sells exceptionally well all over the globe. But is the all-wheel drive BMW X5 xDrive40i right for you? Or should you jump into hybrid ownership with the BMW X5 xDrive45e?
The BMW X5 xDrive45e promises all the benefits of owning a superior SUV (the X5) with a hybrid powertrain for added efficiency. This is exactly what it does: keep the battery charged, and the xDrive45e will remain more efficient than its petrol-powered counterparts. It also gets preconditioning via the app, which is just a silent remote start that emits no pollution. It’s also less expensive when factoring in the federal tax credit, which may soon disappear. More on that later.
Most of the limitations of the X5 xDrive45e come down to the packaging. You can’t option the very-cool 22-inch wheels on the xDrive45e, likely for range and fuel-efficiency reasons. Another tire and wheel problem is the absence of a spare, as the high-voltage battery occupies the space where the spare would normally go. A light blue color surrounds the roundels to denote its hybrid lineage, and overzealous BMW i badging adorns the front quarter panels, but that’s a matter of taste. Finally, an often-unrealized fact is that the xDrive45e is only more efficient if you’ve always got juice in the battery; otherwise, the standard gas vehicle is actually more efficient thanks to its lower weight.
A gas-powered X5 is still a great option. You’ll get to experience options like 22-inch wheels and a spare tire, which you can’t get on the hybrid version. In addition, its less complex approach is appreciable; no need to fiddle with chargers or apps if you don’t want to, whereas that’s a necessity with the xDrive45e.
While preconditioning is standard on the hybrid…
