BMW has unveiled model updates for its X5 and X6 SUVs, which will launch globally in April 2023. As part of the update, the drivetrain for the X5’s plug-in hybrid variant has also been updated — the X6 won’t be offered as a PHEV.
Now dubbed the X5 xDrive50e (previously codenamed 45), it combines a combustion engine (still an inline-six) with a new electric motor that delivers a 62-kW increase from 145 kW. According to BMW, an “innovative pre-gear ratio” increases the available torque applied to the engine-side transmission input to up to 450 Nm, which should contribute to a “particularly spontaneous power delivery”. The gasoline engine has also increased by 20 to 230 kW. The system output of the plug-in hybrid has been boosted by 70 to 360 kW (temporary boost).
The battery has also been updated: Compared to its predecessor, available energy has increased by almost 25 percent to 25.7 kWh. According to WLTP, the new X5 xDrive50e has a range of 94 to 110 kilometers. Charging power is doubled, but remains at a manageable 7.4 kW, thanks to a new combination charging unit. Even after the tech update, BMW doesn’t offer 11 kW AC charging, or even DC charging like the plug-in hybrid Mercedes GLE, which was also recently revised.
For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the other engine options are also all electrified. The six-cylinder diesel, six-cylinder petrol and V8 all feature a 48-volt hybrid system. This provides an additional nine kilowatts of drive power.
Not only has BMW used updates under the sheet metal, but the body has received some tweaks as well. At the front, in particular, the X5 differs from the larger X7, with the brand’s typical kidney grille more visually pronounced (also available with optional ‘waterfall lighting’ called ‘Iconic Glow’). The headlights are now 35 mm flatter, and the arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights also serve as turn signals. However, BMW has done away with the two-part headlights on the X7 and 7 Series.
There may be a simple reason why the X6 SUV Coupe isn’t available with a plug-in hybrid variant: For the XM Hybrid, BMW M offers a similarly sized SUV coupe, albeit in a different orientation and polarizing design. The X5, X6 and XM are produced at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. BMW has yet to announce pricing for the X5 xDrive50e.
