The article was originally produced on February 1, 2020, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

The latest addition to BMW's plug-in SUVs is the X5 xDrive45e, now with more power, longer range and lower emissions than its predecessor!

The so-called plug-in hybrid segment is absolutely exploding right now. BMW has built a large fleet of these models so that no one feels that there isn't a model that suits them. If you need a large and spacious family SUV, the X5 model is the one to look at. The X5 has existed as a plug-in hybrid in the form of the X5 xDrive40e for a while, but then with lower performance and higher emissions. With the new 45e, these parameters are improved to be at the forefront of development and give the competitors a tough match.

If you need a large and spacious family SUV, the X5 model is the one to look at

If we are going to start by going through the car itself, as I said, the X5 belongs to the larger family SUVs from BMW. You have plenty of space and technology and the comfort is of the highest class. In addition to steering wheel heating, for example, the seat heating also extends to the armrests in the door and between the front seats. If you like Apple CarPlay, you'll appreciate it even more in the new X5 xDrive45e because you don't need a cable to your mobile phone to access the function. Now it's managed wirelessly and you can also charge your mobile phone wirelessly in the compartment in front of the gear selector.

When we still talk about the gear selector, it should be mentioned that this is made of crystal, like the start button. Inside the gear selector, an orange X shines effectively. The illuminated interior panels can of course be changed in colour. If you have chosen a panoramic glass roof, there are recessed light panels so that the glass roof shines in the same colour as the interior when it is dark. The sound system from Harman Kardon makes you think you're sitting in a movie theatre rather than a car.

System output is 394 horsepower, a whopping 81 horsepower higher compared to the previous generation X5 xDrive

The performance in the new X5 xDrive45e has thus improved a lot since its predecessor. The engine, which is now a straight petrol six, has 286 horses. The previous version only had a four-cylinder engine with roughly 40 horses less. Together with the 112 horsepower electric motor, you get a total system output of 394 horsepower. This figure has thus been increased by a whopping 81 horses compared to the X5 xDrive40e.

If we are to draw some more numbers before we go into how this is actually experienced when you drive, the range has been increased significantly since the 40e. Now you can get just under nine miles on pure electric power, as opposed to only around three before. The top speed for pure electric operation has been raised from 120 to 140 km/h and zero to hundred cut by more than a second. The total top speed is now 235 km/h instead of 201 previously.

All these figures are of course impressive, but after all it is the one that tells the total consumption that is the most important. Since the X5 xDrive40e, consumption and emissions have gone down a lot. WLTP values that now apply to the model, 0.12 litres per mile and 28 g co2/km, which can be seen as very good for a car of this size.

So how does the new X5 xDrive45e feel to drive? The simpler answer is incredibly good. You have lots of power available in the entire register, and if you want, you can drive solely on electricity. You do this via a number of driving programmes you reach with buttons behind the gear selector. In the fully digital instrument panel in front of the steering wheel, you get all possible information about consumption, driving programmes and more. You can also have the navigation here.

To make it even easier and safer not to take your eyes off the road, the car has a so-called "head-up" display in the window in front of the driver. Here you can also get the most necessary information such as speed, navigation but also the cruise control. The cruise control in the new X5 xDrive45e is of the self-driving type, so it also steers for you so you always stay on the right course on the road. However, only for a moment and the car thinks you need to regain focus, an audible signal and two yellow lights on the steering wheel will flash.

With the X5 xDrive45e, BMW is once again pushing the barriers for this type of plug-in hybrid. Although you want to drive a large comfortable, powerful and technology-packed family SUV, you can do it in an environmentally friendly way thanks to the new X5 xDrive45e.

BMW X5 xDrive45e

Basic price	SEK 803,700
Engine	3-litre straight six-cylinder, 286 hp. Torque 450 Nm. Electric motor 112 hp. A total of 394 hp
Transmission	8-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration	0-100 in 5.6 seconds
Top speed	235 km/h
Consumption and emissions	0.12 l/mile, 28 g co2/km
Weight:	2,510 kg
Guarantees	New car 2 years, carriage damage 3 years, rust protection 12 years
Web	www.bmw.se