The latest generation of the BMW X5 SUV is best identified with the 'Power of Choice' strategy with which the Munich manufacturer has decided to accompany its customers in the transition to eco-friendly mobility.
For this model there are in fact six engines of the Efficient Dynamics family, ranging from the three diesel variants xDrive 25d, xDrive 30d and xDrive 40d to the two petrol xDrive 40i and M50i, up to the plug-in hybrid xDrive 45e.
In all cases these are engines of the latest generation, and which through refined technological solutions reach very high levels of energy efficiency, so as to satisfy not only the limits on emissions imposed by EU standards but also to provide a real contribution to respect for the environment.
So - once you have decided to buy the X5 suv (or rather, as BMW calls them, the sav that is sport activity vehicle) - you can opt for the 170 HP 2.0 turbodiesel which is approved with a mixed consumption of only 6.2 liters per 100 km, an ideal solution for those who frequently face long distances.
But also enter the future through the PHEV door with the X5 Xdrive 45e version, where that little letter instead contains a really relevant feature: the possibility offered by the rechargeable battery to the 24 kWh network to travel in 100% electric mode for 80 km, one of the biggest values in this segment.
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Bmw X5 xDrive 45e
This second generation of the BMW X5 Plug-in-Hybrid also makes a qualitative leap from the point of view of the thermal unit as it passes from the previous 4-cylinder to a suitably modified in-line 6 engine.
Together with the electric unit, it generates a power of 394 hp which make the performance even sportier.
The sprint from 0-100 km / h is achieved in just 5.6 seconds and the maximum speed (in the absence of limits) is 235 km (h, but who sits behind the wheel of this maxi suv - 4.92 m long , 2.00 wide and 1.74 high - soon ends up finding the best satisfaction in beating its own records in consumption. In 'real' use, as we have been able to verify during the test on all kinds of routes, the homologation values are certainly not obtained (1.6-2.1 liters per 100 km) which refer to procedures in which the electrical section has a significant weight.
But X5 xDrive 45e really amazes when the tank is topped up, recording distances per liter that are typical of a small car.
In this, BMW technology provides an important help, and not only due to the presence of two driving modes: Electric, which uses only the electric motor up to a speed of 135 km / h and until the charge is exhausted.
Or Hybrid, which automatically manages the 'dialogue' between the two engines and optimizes electricity consumption.
In fact, a Hybrid mode combined with the satellite navigation system is foreseen for this model and which - once the journey has been planned - independently manages the two propulsion modes based on the characteristics of the route and the transit in the most polluted areas, demonstrating that the artificial intelligence of vehicles has ample possibilities to 'overcome' generic traffic restriction measures.
From the point of view of dynamic performance, the BMW X5 xDrive 45e provides - as the name itself shows - all the functionality of the 'intelligent' 4-wheel drive system, capable of distributing the high torque (600 Nm) exactly where and when is needed, and above all able to favor rear-wheel drive when the grip conditions are optimal.
In all situations, those who sit behind the wheel of the X5 xDrive 45e are always well assisted by the air suspension, by the many standard ADAS, by the adequate sizing of the brakes and - a feature to be emphasized - by the quality of the Pirelli P Zero tires.
Naturally, the response of the car can also be adjusted with the selector which provides the Eco PRO, Comfort and Sport / + modes.
Impeccable also from the point of view of the passenger compartment and of the man-machine interface, the BMW X4 xDrive 45e is confirmed as an ideal travel companion also from the point of view of spaciousness in the rear seats and in the width of the boot (capacity between 500 and 1,716 liters) which is accessed with a convenient electric opening system also of the lower side and which offers an 'ad hoc' adjustment of the height from the ground to facilitate maneuvers.
All with a price list for this PHEV version starting from 84,820 euros.