The X5 combines BMW’s superb in-line 6 3.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine with an electric motor.
Image: Supplied
When it was first introduced just before the turn of the century (yes, that long ago), the BMW X5 set the standard for large luxury SUVs and, in fact, some consider it the pivotal model in the category.
I know, I’ve said some unflattering things about SUVs in general, and I still maintain that a sedan or coupe will always be more attractive than any SUV but the buying public seem to disagree.
The list of sedan cars that have stopped production continues to grow, and as quickly as they disappear, another SUV pops up. You only have to look at the continuing entry of new Chinese models, and virtually every one of them is an SUV.
Which brings us behind the wheel of the BMW X5 or to be more specific, the BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport.
Power
What sets it apart from the rest of the X5 Range is its plug-in hybrid ability, which makes it a New Energy Vehicle (NEV).
The X5 combines BMW’s superb in-line 6 3.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine with an electric motor.
The engine is used in various states of tune across their portfolio and in this guise provides 230kW and 450Nm of torque mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
It’s paired with a 145kW and 280Nm electric motor with a total 29.5kWh, usable 25.7kWh battery providing a system output of 360kW and 700NM.
BMW says it will get to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h and 140km/h using only the battery.
The battery should be good for between 90-110 kilometres.
Exterior
As with all vehicles, the X5 has evolved considerably over the years and now incorporates xLine design features like slimline headlights, the updated (love it or hate it) kidney grille and newly designed front air intakes.
At the back, the lights have sculptural fibre-optic elements with an L shape and X motif.
The X5 has evolved considerably since it was first launched almost 25 years ago.
Image: Supplied
Interior
BMW has always produced classy interiors and here it’s no different.
It now sports BMW’s updated Operating System 8 and iDrive with the curved display featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
I had just stepped out of the BMW 7-Series so it was easy to continue using it without any fuss. The graphics are crystal clear and it’s easy to use but as with so many manufacturers, almost all of the settings and functions are housed here which can be distracting while driving.
There is EU legislation being promulgated that will force manufacturers to put certain functions as dials and switches taking care of that problem.
The rest of the interior is as you would expect, premium. The build and fitment top notch and apart from one or two plastic surfaces everything is just so.
There’s the obligatory panoramic sunroof and the sound from the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond sound system is crystal-clear.
The seats are supremely comfortable as is the driving position with ample room for rear passengers even with the front seats all the way back.
The boot is slightly smaller than the rest of the range at 500-litres as a result of the battery pack placement.
Driving
The big X5 is easy and comfortable to drive and while it won't snap you back in the seat, the instant torque offered by the electric motor on hard acceleration before the engine kicks in with a glorious sound to combine the two is quite impressive, considering it comes in at a tad under 2.5 tons.
The refined ride quality is courtesy of standard air suspension although the optional 21-inch alloys fitted to our test unit caused some interior noise over badly maintained suburban roads.
It’s never going to have the same cornering ability as its 5-series sibling but the engineers have made all the elements combine well so there’s very little body roll so you’re not afraid to take on the twisties.
The X5 has BMW’s updated Operating System 8 and iDrive with the curved display featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Image: Supplied
The claimed electric range seemed to be spot-on which sees it use the battery during slow progress in traffic and areas where you generally potter about like estates and shopping malls.
On a full charge driving carefully, I managed to get 93 kilometres which should be fine for a daily commute which saw me get 2.3l/100km on one stretch.
With a regular mixed cycle that includes daily highway driving, you’re going to get closer to 6l/100km and it will increase slightly on a long road trip once the battery runs out.
The charge rate of 7.4kW is a drawback though so it will spend most of its charging time at home or the office with a three hour charging time.
BMW probably have their reasons as to why there isn’t a DC option but the X5 is a big car so big charging should be an option.
Summary
There’s no getting away from the fact that SUVs will dominate our future mobility and as far as that is concerned the BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport at R1,927,000 does a damn fine job. Whether it’s better than the X5 xDrive30d M Sport, which is almost R100 000 less, I'm not completely convinced, though.
But if NEVs are your thing and you’re keen on a lovely six-cylinder soundtrack, you won’t be disappointed.
It comes with a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan, a two-year warranty and an eight-year hybrid battery warranty.