The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e takes a family sized, plug-in hybrid, crossover SUV to a new level with nearly 500 horsepower and real athleticism in the corners.
| What’s Good Big power to play with from a fantastic powertrain. Quiet and smooth ride. High levels of comfort and useful tech go along for the ride. | What Could Improve Adaptive brake recuperation takes control away from the driver. Some wind noise creeps in on the interstate. 75K starting price. | My Conclusion Critically, this BMW still delivers thrilling driving dynamics, especially considering its size and class. Barnburner fuel economy is a bonus. |
OVERVIEW
BMW updated the entire X5 and X6 lineup for 2024 and that included this new plug-in hybrid, the X5 xDrive50e, which replaces the xDrive45e. You get 83 more horsepower as a result and an absolute treasure trove worth of tech. BMW include the xDrive50e as one of four non-XM trims. It stands above the sDrive and xDrive 40i X5’s, but beneath the V-8 powered M60i. It is also far and away the most fuel efficient.
Powertrain
In total, you get 483 HP and 516 pound-feet of torque. Lofty numbers for a family sized, crossover SUV, even one burdened with over 5500 lbs. worth of mass.
The main contributor to total power comes courtesy of a silky smooth turbocharged, 3.0-liter Inline-six. It delivers 308 horsepower and 331 lb.-ft of torque. BMW managed that with a twin-scroll turbocharger and both direct injection and port fuel injection. To increase efficiency, runs on the Miller combustion cycle, which operates similarly to the Atkinson combustion cycle.
An electric motor mounted inside the eight-speed automatic transmission provides the rest of the power. It produces 194 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft of torque on its own. BMW mounted a 19.2 kWh battery pack to provide the needed electricity. That’s enough for 40 miles of EV driving, according to BMW.
It’s a smooth and quiet, well-tuned powertrain that also bolts the X5 from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. And, with a lighter right foot at least, provides as much as 58 MPGe.
Chassis
To help driving feel along, BMW starts with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive chassis layout. That mounts the engine fore-aft or front-to-back, which better distributes the weight. In fact, a bit less weight sits on the front axle, 48 percent, 52 percent on the rear. Of course, the heavy battery pack on the floor helps.
Suspension geometry is also a driver enthusiast friendly double-wishbone setup front and multilink in the rear. Moreover, BMW mounts air-springs as standard equipment in the XDrive50e. That allows plenty of chassis’ adjustability when switching drive modes. And different ride heights on the road.
Overall, you get both a cushy ride when you want it and minimal body motion when driving quickly through a set of corners.
Details and Inside
At just under 195 inches long, the X5 offers over 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Stretch it to over 70 cubic feet with that row folded. Speaking of, folks in the second row will find a nice high seat bottom, reasonable legroom, and high comfort in general. They will find several ports to charge devices and manual shade for the windows on either side.
My test car included the $2000 climate package, which added four-zone climate control and heated rear seats. With that package, folks up front get heated and ventilated seats and the driver will keep hands warm with a heated steering wheel.
Lots of screens display all pertinent information. Start with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, then a 14.9-inch center display. You can option the X5 with a head-up display on top of that. Standard equipment includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a wireless smartphone charger. Like the rear, the front row provides plenty of space and comfort.
in conclusion
BMW built a full-functional, tech heavy, tech savvy, plug-in-hybrid here. However, as a pure serene machine, Mercedes built an even better one in the GLE 450e.
I prefer the BMW at the end of the day, however, because the X5 xDrive50e also delivers driving fun. Despite its more than 5500 lb. curb weight, the X5 turns-in to a corner willingly and engages with the driver as you run through your favorite switchbacks.
An SUV will be tasked with such activities more and more in our modern world. Might as well be good at it!
COMPETITORS
Lexus RX
Mercedes-Benz GLE
SPECIFICATIONS
2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e: 5-door, 5-seat, crossover SUV
Base price: $74,275 (2025 Model year price)
Price as tested: $87,275 (2025 Model year price)
Powertrain:
Engine Power: 308 horsepower between 5000-6500 rpm
Engine Torque: 331 lb.-ft between 1750-4700 rpm
Electric Motor Power: 194 horsepower at 7000 rpm
Electric Motor Torque: 280 lb.-ft between 100-5500 rpm
Total System Power: 483 horsepower
Total System Torque: 516 lb.-ft
Transmissions: eight-speed automatic transmission
Drive: all-wheel-drive
Fuel Economy:
58 combined MPGe
22 combined MPG
All electric range: 40 miles
Dimensions:
Length: 194.2 inches
Width: 78.9 inches
Height: 69.1 inches
Wheelbase: 117.1 inches
Weights and Capacities:
Curb weight: 5573 lbs.
Interior volume: NA cu ft
Cargo volume (seats up/folded): 33/71 cu ft
Performance
Calculated weight to power (lbs./HP): 11.5:1
Mfr’s claimed 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Mfr’s claimed Top Speed: 130 mph
Government classified size: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Test Car Options:
Executive package, $3350; M Sport package, $2750; Driving Assistance professional package, $2500; Climate package, $2000; parking assistance package, $900; M Sport professional package, $850; Brooklyn grey metallic, $650
