BMW X5 xDrive40e 2016 Review

BMW X5 xDrive40e
Local Launch
Canberra, Australia

The year 2015 saw the BMW 3 Series overtaken by the X5 SUV in Australian sales for the first time. Building on that strength, BMW will first introduce its iPerformance PHEV range with the X5 xDrive40e. Priced from $118,900 plus on-road costs, the plug-in version is price-matched to the diesel 40d variant and scores similar standard equipment while retaining its off-road ability. The latest X5 produces a combined 230kW/450Nm but is a miser, slurping 3.3L/100km.

BMW has long held a reputation as an innovative company. Some risks have bombed, while others – such as the introduction of the X5 luxury SUV and i8 hybrid sports car – have shifted thinking in the automotive industry.

Now, BMW hopes to take learnings from its exclusive i brand and fuse them with key ‘core’ models in the BMW range, under the new iPerformance sub-brand.

Similar in concept to the M Performance vehicles (such as the M235i), the upcoming iPerformance machines will bridge the gap between your ‘everyday’ Beemer and the i range.

The first of these to arrive on Australian shores is the X5 xDrive40e.

Priced from $118,900 plus on-road costs, the X5 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) presents a shift away from the mild 3, 5 and 7 Series ActiveHybrids seen previously.

It also represents a closing of the price gap between traditional and hybrid drivetrain offerings; where the 3 ActiveHybrid was $6300 more expensive than the 335i on which it was based, the eDrive40e offers similar equipment levels to the 40d diesel variant for the same outlay.

The catch, of course, is that the 40e isn’t based on 40d underpinnings.

Instead, it uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit that produces 180kW/350Nm and is more commonly seen in the 528i. It is paired with an 83kW/250Nm electric machine to produce a combined 230kW/450Nm, with 3.3L/100km combined fuel use.

A full spec breakdown can be viewed here, but the hybrid hardware adds a total of 120kg to the X5’s weight, tipping the scales at 2.2 tonnes.

The substantial 9kWh battery pack is mounted under the boot floor, which rises around 40mm over the standard X5 and reduces luggage capacity to 500 litres. It also removes the ability to order a third seating row or emergency spare tyre; all eDrive40es will come with standard run-flats as a result.

The hybrid gains a specific suspension tune that incorporates standard dynamic damper control (biased to ride quality, even in sport) with auto self-levelling rear air suspension to better manage the increased rear-axle weight.

Other tech alterations include the adoption of a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, in favour of the ‘sports automatic’ version. This further aids economy, according to BMW Australia Head of Market and Product Planning Shawn Ticehurst.

We are assigned an Alpine White xDrive40e with the optional M Sport package, which adds $3300 to the base price and comprises 20-inch M light alloy wheels, adaptive M suspension, BMW Individual touches such as the high-gloss shadow line, anthracite roof liner, and shadow line roof rails. Brushed aluminium interior trim, M leather steering wheel, and the M Aerodynamics package complete the pack.

Additionally this X5 features a panoramic glass sunroof ($3300), ceramic surrounds for the iControl system ($1100), Adaptive LED headlights ($2000) and lane change warning ($1400), taking the as-tested price to $130,400.

While a motoring.com.au commentator recently questioned (understandably) the price gap between an X5 PHEV and a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the X5 is priced beneath what could be considered its two closest premium large SUV rivals, the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid and Range Rover Sport HVE.

Based out of Canberra, the X5 xDrive40e local launch route offered a mostly urban experience, designed to replicate where the vast majority of these vehicles spend their time.

The initial drive took in 31km, which roughly equates to the total vehicle commute of the average Aussie worker (stated at 15.6km each way). Interestingly, it’s the claimed EV range of the 40e.

Using Eco Pro mode for steering, suspension, throttle and gearbox, we leave the three-mode eDrive control in its default auto setting, and set about replicating the fuel consumption claim.

We drive sedately, but not completely off the standard urban pace, until the 22km mark arrives and I note the petrol engine kicking in. A switch to ‘Max’ eDrive silences it, but the battery reserve plunges to five per cent, at which point Max becomes unavailable and – at 27.5km – we concede defeat. Still, we beat the 3.3L/100km claim with a 3.1L/100km recording.

Moving into comfort drive mode (the default) and sport mode does bring noticeable changes to the X5 hybrid experience. In comfort, you notice the regenerative braking capability for the first time, the vehicle slowing down slightly when coasting to assist energy recuperation. This feeling is exacerbated in sport mode as the eDrive system assists ultimate braking, at the expense of pedal feel and progression. This makes judging your deceleration difficult.

After spending time in comfort and sport, the fuel consumption for our trip increased to 8.2L/100km, with only a small amount of highway mileage thrown in and suggesting that if you’re going to commute beyond the 30-odd kilometre EV range with regularity, perhaps the 40d is the X5 option for you.

Perhaps the most noticeable dynamic difference between the eDrive40e and other X5s sampled – particularly in M Sport form – is in the ride. Even in sport mode, it retains a supple ease that isn’t found in the combustion-engine versions.

The extra weight does manifest itself in understeer, the nose tending to push wide when enjoying the electrically-boosted acceleration on a twisty road. There’s also some roll through the corners. Unfortunately the road drive was tarmac only, so an assessment of dirt road and off-road ability will have to await a seven-day road test.

Otherwise the ambience is X5, albeit a little quieter. There’s the same quality fit and finish and the same elevated driving position that makes these vehicles so popular in urban climes.

The first hybrid X5 adopts BMW’s Condition Based Servicing.  On-board condition and mileage data is acquired, the X5 prompting the driver when maintenance is due.

Owners have the option of paying a single up-front payment through BMW Service Inclusive, which covers servicing costs for up to five years or 80,000km, whichever comes first. Intervals are set annually or at 20,000km.

A three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty is standard. Those put off by the ‘newness’ of PHEV battery tech should consider the xDrive40e has a six-year or 100,000km warranty on the high-voltage battery.

Nevertheless, the success of this first iPerformance product remains to be seen. BMW itself suggests it won’t be at diesel sales levels initially (indeed, Ticehurst says that the company will still encourage customers to consider the diesel X5 range if they do more highway driving).

However, for those after a premium SUV for an urban environment, the xDrive40e has moved the efficiency game on… without sacrificing too much in the way of space and usability.

2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e pricing and specifications:
Price: $118,900 (plus on-road costs)
Combustion engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Electric system: Synchronous electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack
Output: 230kW/450Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 3.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 77g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: TBC

Also consider:
>> Mercedes-Benz GLE350 (from $104,900)
>> Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid (from $140,800)
>> Range Rover Sport HVE HSE (from $146,900)