The BMW 5-Series range on offer in the United States is set to grow with the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid version known as the 550e xDrive for the 2024 model year.
Details published by BMW reveal that the 550e xDrive comes fitted with a six-cylinder petrol engine working alongside an electric motor that has been incorporated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine and electric motor combine to produce 483 hp and are supported by a sizeable 19.4 kWh battery pack.
Car and Driver notes that BMW has not yet revealed how far the 550e xDrive can travel on a single charge under EPA testing but estimates around 40 miles (64 km), a solid figure and almost double the electric range of the previous-generation 530e.
Read: 2024 BMW 5-Series Finally Revealed, $84,100 All-Electric i5 M60 Gets Top Billing
Data published by BMW USA earlier this month confirms that prices for the 550e xDrive will start at $73,800, meaning it will sit above the $57,900 530i, the $60,200 530i xDrive, and the $64,900 540i xDrive. We also know that the 550e xDrive will arrive stateside in the spring of 2024.
Unfortunately, BMW USA has not yet announced complete specifications for the 550e xDrive but given that it will be the most expensive combustion-powered version of the 2024 5-Series without an M badge, it’s safe to assume that it will be well-equipped and loaded with features.
BMW lifted the veil on the new-generation 5-Series in late May. The new car is based on the automaker’s CLAR platform and is particularly important as it has spawned the new i5, an all-electric version of the G60 5-Series. The i5 will be sold in i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 xDrive guises producing 335 hp and 590 hp respectively. The i5 eDrive40 starts at $66,800 while the i5 M60 xDrive is available from $84,100.
