What is it?
The new BMW X5 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has gained two extra cylinders yet the BMW SUV has somehow become more economical (officially) and more BIK tax-efficient at the same time.
This feat has been achieved primarily thanks to a significant increase in battery capacity: it’s now 24kWh, up from just 9.2kWh in the previous-generation BMW X5 xDrive40e.
That’s a key upgrade mostly for the difference it makes to electric-only range and associated tax qualification. As of April 2020, PHEV company cars will be classified not only on their WLTP-rated CO2 emissions but also how far they can be driven on electrictity alone. So, while most rivals have significantly smaller batteries that enable them to do no more than 20 miles or so under electric power, the X5 will be rated to go as far as 54 miles without necessarily exciting its reciprocating pistons.
The difference that could make to monthly running costs, even between running one of these instead of what you might take for a pretty competitive rival, could be significant. While owners of PHEVs rated for 40 miles of electric range or more will be due to pay just 8% of the car’s value per year as benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax, those who own alternatives good for less than 30 miles will have to pay 14%, and plenty will have to pay more still. That means the X5 could save a 40% taxpayer more than £200 per month over its rivals, and compared with a diesel, possibly twice as much.
This new X5 is one of several revised PHEV models introduced by BMW throughout 2019, all of which have what it calls its fourth-generation hybrid battery technology. Like the BMW 530e, BMW 330e and forthcoming BMW X3 30e, it uses a longways-mounted engine and an electric motor mounted between that and the eight-speed automatic gearbox, where you might expect to find a torque converter.
Unlike the fleet-friendly petrol-electric BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series models, though, the X5 adopts the 282bhp turbocharged six-cylinder 3.0-litre motor that also powers the 745e. Given that this is good for 111bhp, total powertrain outputs are 389bhp and 442lb ft, leaving the X5 close to the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine for potency, albeit not so close to the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid.
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Am I alone in thinking that
Am I alone in thinking that BMW make the most boring interiors going? They are all the same and dull.
Except for i3 and i8
Just saying.
Robbo
A view from Down Under
ALL ABOARD THE PLANET TITANIC
The difference that could make to monthly running costs, even between running one of these instead of what you might take for a pretty competitive rival, could be significant. While owners of PHEVs rated for 40 miles of electric range or more will be due to pay just 8% of the car’s value per year as benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax, those who own alternatives good for less than 30 miles will have to pay 14%, and plenty will have to pay more still. That means the X5 could save a 40% taxpayer more than £200 per month over its rivals, and compared with a diesel, possibly twice as much. If this is the solution to our environmental problems then god help us all.
Real World
" ..between 30 and 40 miles out of that battery" for a battery with the same capacity capable of driving a MK1 LEAF 90 miles minimum that is really poor progress. Yes I know there's the weight issue but then how can an I-Pace go over 200 miles with a 90kwh or a Model S over 300 on a 100kwh battery.
If the BIK advantage is ever re-worked and made fairer these cars will dive!
xxxx wrote:
Well, the weight issue that you mention is considerable. This thing has a full tonne on the Mk1 Leaf. As for the i-Pace and Model S, in addition to their much higher battery capacities, even they weigh quite a bit less than this X5. I think aerodynamics also play a part, with the X5, a full-on SUV, not being as slippery as the others.
Just my point
There's only a 8% difference in weight between this and the P100D Model S. "aerodynamics " not a whole lot of difference between the BMW and the i-Pace.
Either way these small differences don't account for how inefficient this PHEV is when using battery power compared to a BEV.
xxxx wrote:
p.s. The Tesla Model X100d is both heavier and has the aero of a brick compared to a X5 and that gets around 290 miles from 100 kwh battery
xxxx wrote:
No it doesn't - Model X drag coefficient is 0.24 or 0.25 (sources disagree), the X5 drag coefficient is 0.31 - so 24% or 29% higher. The X5 also has a larger frontal area, so the X5 is considerably more brick-like.
Sporky McGuffin wrote:
.24 (Tesla figure?) or .25 and I'm not sure where you find out how the X5 has a larger frontal area than the Model X. Either way the PHEV effiiciency is crap
xxxx wrote:
Google. You should try it - it's really handy to be able to check your facts before posting. I'm amazed more people don't use it - it's remarkably simple.
you tell him!
xxxx wrote:
According to Autocar, the X Model is pretty the same weight as the X5, 2,439 kg v 2,435kg. Also, in addition to its much higher battery capacity and it's drag coefficient advantages, the X Model is optimised as a full on EV and as such will likely have drivetrain efficiency advantages over a hybrid like the X5.