2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Debuts With More Power And Longer Electric Range

Three months after the unveiling of the 2019 X5, BMW has taken the wraps off the plug-in hybrid variant.

Set to go on sale in Europe next year, the X5 xDrive45e iPerformance has a plug-in hybrid powertrain which features a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine that develops 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS). It is backed up by an electric motor that contributes an additional 110 hp (82 kW / 112 PS). This enables the model to have a combined maximum output of 388 hp (290 kW / 394 PS) and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque.

Thanks to the extra power, the plug-in hybrid can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.6 seconds which is a full second faster than its predecessor. The model can also hit a top speed of 146 mph (235 km/h) and 87 mph (140 km/h) using electricity alone.

Speaking of electric-only power, the X5’s lithium-ion battery pack allows drivers to travel approximately 50 miles (80 km) without using any fuel. This is nearly three times longer than the outgoing model which we drove back in 2016.

Thanks to these changes, the BMW X5 xDrive45e now has a combined fuel consumption rating of 2.1 L/100km (112 mpg US / 134 mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km.

The X5 xDrive45e iPerformance has an eight-speed automatic transmission which is paired to a standard all-wheel drive system. The crossover will also come equipped with an air suspension and electronically controlled dampers.

BMW didn’t mention any styling changes, but the pictures show the plug-in hybrid has a front fender charging port, a blue / chrome grille and special badging.

Inside, there’s a sport steering wheel and eDrive sill plates. The model’s lithium-ion battery pack also robs the 5.2 cubic feet (150 liters) of space from the luggage compartment.  This means the model can only hold up to 60.5 cubic feet (1,716 liters) overall.

While the X5 xDrive45e iPerformance will arrive in Europe next year, a US-launch isn’t scheduled until 2020. When the crossover finally becomes available in America, it will be a 2021 model.