Harry, the only person who will say out loud that charging is slow, and the engine in the front starts and spins ice cold. That's what we called a proper review!
and glad he point that out. I had the occasion to try a x2 25e. Find out the petrol engine start to run on the highway at 90mph and 3000rpm... stone cold.
@@radoslavdimitrov1101 I don't, don't worry. It's just a "mechanical feeling" as he say, when you gas on a cold engine. I guess they know what they are doing :)
@@radoslavdimitrov1101 I once heard in an mercedes engineer interview that through the good lubrication of modern oil, suddlenly running the engine at these RPM isnt a big deal
But 50mpg is not remarkable (a 1 litre, 3 cylinder Ford Focus does that). If one wants to make a 'green' car, make it a 1 litre, 3 cylinder (or similar) and then add the hybrid stuff. And don't make it needlessly huge. Its mpg would be much better, and it would be much better for the environment. And maybe - just maybe - then future governments won't feel such a great need (or have less of an excuse) to tax the hell out of petrol sports cars and the like.
@@julianevans9548 I get where you are coming from and completely agree, but its not really the same class of car, and if every cars was hybrid and lets say 35-50% of monthly miles are electric that's still a great improvement compared to older diesel SUV, its like the current progression of EV's all they do is make them faster, bigger and heavier, instead of lighter and more efficient. Who is ever going to need sub 2.0 sec to 60 mph.
@@WascalSpiwit Yes, the obsession with fast EVs makes no sense. Make them efficient, and we can perhaps keep real sports cars, rather than milk floats that move at rocket speed (the novelty of that will wear off after four goes, I reckon). As for SUVs, almost nobody needs one. We never did; we still don't.
Julian Evans when you factor in the amount of electricity used to charge the battery, the equivalent mpg is more like 37. Heavy cars with big frontal areas and poor aerodynamics are never going to be very efficient, even when purely electric. Many of the people who buy them have more money than sense.
In the last 18 months I've done 9707 miles in my 330e and used 73.9 gallons, that's 131 mpg. I reckon at least 75% of my miles are electric. It's refined and fast and I'm very happy with it.
@@Gdank72 I probably will. Before the 330e I had two Leafs, but they were limited on range and rhe charging system wasn't good enough so I went for a phev. Both issues have now moved forward so I'll go back to leccy.
I would like to comment on the "lack of power capacity" in German homes. That is simply untrue. There are regulations in place in Germany that demand a symmetric three-phase power draw when exceeding 4.6 kilowatts. Private charging points must not charge more than 20 amps single-phase, which is 4.6 kW at 230 volts. Cars like the Range Rover are therefore not able to fully utilize their 7.2 kilowatt single-phase onboard chargers on those charging stations at home. If you want to have more than 4.6 kilowatts, the car has to be equipped with a three-phase charger. Then you can do 11 or even 22 kilowatts at home, but the latter does have to be approved by the power company first. Standard household supply in Germany is 44 kilowatts (three-phase at 63 amps). 7.2 kilowatt single-phase chargers are just very attractive from a cost point of view for the car manufacturer because you can sell this onboard charger worldwide and it will fit most market needs, like in the US (where there is no three-phase for EV charging) or China (where single-phase 32 amps is standard although they do have three-phase power). Many of today's EVs started with 7.2 kW, but have now been upgraded to 11 kW three-phase (like the Jaguar I-Pace or the Hyundai Kona) to comply to European charging standards. So BMW just has to upgrade that damn old charger in the X5, which they have used for several years in the former PHEV models as well. That's just old stuff. Put an 11 kilowatt charger in it, and you will be able to relatively fast-charge that car in Germany and the rest of Europe.
Very informative! Thanks. Do you know if this can be retrofitted? Now or in future or it is what it is and we have to be put up with it? It’s a shame as this slow rate makes it unusable at a public charge points.
@@radoslavdimitrov1101 in theory, yes. Like it would also be possible to retrofit a newer generation of battery system. But it is unlikely in my opinion. You would also need to switch the charge port and high voltage cables to the charger which would be thicker and possibly would not fit in the original position in the car body. Also, financial aspects. Example: if you bought a first-gen BMW i3 with the 21.6 kWh battery, two years later you could pay a significant amount of money to upgrade to the then-new 33.2 kWh battery system and so increase the range of your existing car. But the total cost was close to selling your old car and buying the newer version while still missing out on the other improvements introduced with the newer battery, like three-phase charging 😉. So not that attractive.
@@jan-hendrikbussmann4644 Very interesting. So knowing that German HH already had 44kW 3-ph charge, they missed a big opportunity there. Wonder when the upgrade will come since as you say the mods are quite extensive. I also wonder what the cost of the 3-phase charger install is in both UK and German as this needs to be factored in to the capital cost.
@@paredding Three-phase wallboxes are not that much more than single-phase ones. In the end, it is a glorified power outlet with over-current and fault current protection. It gets more expensive if it has smart features like an internal power metering unit, WiFi and so on. On the onboard charger side, a three-phase design is much more complex because many components are simply needed per phase, so three times instead of one. In general, the complexity of the internal design of the charger increases a lot for three-phase. This also makes for a huge packaging problem: the chargers get a lot bigger, so they may not fit in the position of the old one. It is actually mostly a problem for PHEVs. They have to fit a combustion engine with all the stuff around it and also the electric part of the drivetrain. The onboard charger in a PHEV is like the least favorite child of the manufacturer: it often gets the Harry Potter room of the house, stuffed in some dark place. On a fully electric car, most of the time it is not that difficult to find a suitable spot for the charger. Which also means the charger does not have to be fully optimized for being small first, powerful later. EDIT: crap, wrote another novel.
@@jan-hendrikbussmann4644 Not at all - the more we know, the better (more informed) decision can be taken. Devil in the detail and all that. The next step (for me) would be to see the vehicle capital cost diff between ICE and PHEV plus install costs and the ROI 'cos 50mpg v 45mpg isnt going to cut it ;-)
I have a previous gen X5 40e and I love everything except the 4cyl, it sounds terrible and performance drops dramatically when the battery is depleted. I was actually very happy to see BMW going with the 6 cylinder on the new generation.
@@sharisees I love mine and it has been reliable. Drive both and see which one you like best. I think I would get the 6 cyl if money was no object just because it sounds so much better.
Even with depleted battery no lack of power in my 40e....seriously powerful 4 cyl.... after 3 30ds.....little difference.... very economical in comparison to oil burner
We’ve had ours for three months now and are really loving it! Refined is definitely the right word to describe its long distance comfort. At the same time it’s very happy to be pushed a little harder on some alpine roads.
I think PHEVs are the perfect daily, you can use it to go to shops and short trips on EV mode and still go on a cross country trip without fearing your battery runs out
The X5 45e is a superb car. I’ve had mine since June 2020. 9,000 miles covered with 6,800 on pure electric. Indicated 87 MPG ave over that period. Most journeys are sub 40 miles. Yes the charging is very slow but if you are considering one of these I would highly recommend!!
I am also an actual farmer in CA and this review was a massive help. I'm debating between this and the Defender and I think I can confidently make a decision now. Thank you!
Owner of a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for 4 years and very similar experience. Love driving in electric mode and no range anxiety for long trips. It's the journeys that are just too long to do on electric that are annoying. Either maximise electric capacity or use more petrol to warm the ICE system properly (first world problem). I try to avoid overtaking until the engine has been running a while but spirited pulling out of junctions can cause the engine to fire up when not really required. Overall very happy and will keep it until long range EVs are affordable.
Also, you’re not driving the farmer’s spec. Get it without the M Sport pack and you’ll lose those side sills. Here in the US, 19’s are standard. Stick with those or 20’s with a little more aggressive tires and you’re all set.
Harry, thanks for the top notch review. I purchased ours in October 2020. I’m still amazed at and in love with this car. I just found the manual mode and used the paddle shifters for the first time. What an absolute blast! Rides like a dream. Incredibly refined and quiet. Love it! Thanks again.
Good - some useless things with my 7 series - that clunky key, the LCD rear passenger remote pad which basically mimics a standard Samsung smartphone , tinted rear side windows when blinds are specified and gesture control.
It’s cool to have but ours got locked away and never used. It’s pointless when you can’t attach keys to it and if you drop it what if it breaks. The two other keys were great quality anyway so they are easy to use. Also, if you have keyless entry, it defeats the point having a fancy key as it stays in your pocket or handbag anyway.
I love my X5 45e. I typically get around 51 electric miles on one charge (ignore the predicted electric range on the driver's screen its alway wrong!). Mix of long distance commuting and local journeys has returned 55mpg combined. It's incredibly quiet inside, iDrive is fab, as Harry says virtually zero body roll and is a delight to drive; infact we think its even nippier than the 330e we have. A super-comfortable family car.Thanks Harry, another great review.
The cold engine issue is one I had anxiety about when I had an i8. Most of my driving could be done in electric only but when I wanted to drive in a spirited manner I always held back because of my mechanical sympathy for the cold engine.
I’ve had a cayenne hybrid which also had a lot of stone cold starts because of the hybrid system; after 120k KMs the engine needed twice a full soot cleaning because the secondary air flows got clogged up from all the cold starts. Car is sold and I’m never buying hybrid again
I recall seeing an F30 330e reversing out of a parking space a while ago. It couldn't have been very old really, but when the petrol engine cut in it sounded like it was on its last legs
I know one owner of a 4-series BMW hybrid who got it because the company accountant stated it was good for tax reasons. Drives everywhere in Sport mode with engine running. Doesn't care about mpg, the environment or "virtue signalling". Harry has been meticulous in gathering the data for us enthusiastic viewers but, lets be honest, does anyone who can afford a £70k car reallyu care about mpg? Cold start from zero to 3000 rpm at -10degC is going to trash an engine but BMW trust it will be OK throughout the warranty period. German charging infrastructure is an important point. If EV's really increased on UK roads, we couldn't charge them all either. A really excellent, thoughtful, independent video. Still, my diesel Mondeo estate would do the Brands Hatch trip at 47mpg and hardly depreciates so I'm not envious though I wouldn't mind a free BMW for six months.
I agree but he's a bit limited as there is only him doing it. I imagine trying to do quality reviews like this takes up a fair bit of his time already and if he started doing mainstream stuff he would have to do most of them to make it fair. It would be great if we could somehow multiply him and get 10 vids per day but I fear cloning is a way off for that just yet.
Wife just asked if I wanted to spice our life up a little by introducing some electric toys. I told her that Harry says PHEV is the way to go rather than EV. She gave me a dirty look and stormed off. I don't understand women sometimes.
Don't do it, I've owned an EV for 4 years now, will never buy a Fossil car again. Keep them for the race track. (also the resale of a PHEV in 4 years will tank!)
Can’t help but think that current high end hybrid cars are just a way for rich people to circumvent pollution regulations in cities and the like. Terribly complicated cars with plenty to go wrong, mainly thought to be owned under leasing for 3 years and after that if something goes wrong might well end up with a totalled car. Fuel consumption numbers only add up when driven very gently or in ideal conditions and seen with rose tinted glasses.
Hybrids were intented for mpg only. As far as people go. The rich don't want to spend money on gas either. BTW Porsche had build the World's first Hybrid in 1898.
I've just ordered a new C300de - I went for it partly because of the insane amount of torque which is slightly more than the C63S, the other part of it was due to mpg. It should be significantly more lively car than the straight ICE versions (excluding the C63).
Completely agree... I have an XC60 Recharge as a company car and it is so expensive to maintain. It's great if you plug it in constantly in between short trips, but then if you add every bill up it becomes more expensive than an EV or ICE. One system (Electric or combustion) goes down and you're left with a useless car. This is not for the common family, rather it's to flex engineering abilities.
Very good comment and I wish people would realise that using a 2.2 T SUV is NOT a sustainable advancement as touted by Manufacturers. Plus if you look at the life cycle analysis it’s actually costing more to the environment than traditional ICE cars. It’s also so expensive.
Excellent review and very consistent with my experience. I have 1100 miles on mine, and have driven 66% in pure electric mode. It is hard to describe until you drive it, but in electric mode the vehicle is refined and serene....it just makes you want to drive it more. That said, when the ICE kicks in, the sound is surprisingly good. This sounds like a BMW when you stomp on it, and that was an unexpected plus. Charging rate is a definite issue, and BMW will have to address that going forward, but if you are charging at home overnight, this doesn't impact your life. Terrific work on the reviews, all the best.
Good to know, the refinement on pure electric is uncanny and I should have made more of it in this video. There's a calmness that comes with town driving in this X5 PHEV that's one of this car's best features. Enjoy!
"I'm sure BMW have tested it". That is the biggest demonstration of The triumph of hope over experience I've ever heard. You know they didn't and they don't and they don't care.
The only thing BMW have definitely tested is how much BMW finance have to charge to make a profit before this thing becomes a liability and ends up in a landfill or some poor fucker's hands. All other things are maybe yes maybe not. Vorsprung durch financial engineering.
I live in California and bought this same car exactly one year ago. We covered 9600 miles in that year and of that 5900 miles were on pure electric. we have a good solar system at the house and charge it on a level 2 charger every day. It has not made any difference to our Electric bill at all.. We get round 40 miles EV range, the US version limits the % use of the battery to increase its warranty, so its only rated at 30 miles. As its hilly where we live going up hills, ofter it is in Hybrid mode with the engine kicking in, flat or downhill its on electric. so we do pick up some regenerative energy giving us the higher miles on electric. I echo all of your comments about the car, so quiet and refined. One big difference in the US is we get a rebate for buying an EV car of $7500, that along with the $3500 discount from the dealer resulted in 11K off the list price of $71K. In GBP thats 46K pounds. It's a heck of a bargain at that price. Best miles on one tankful of petrol was just over 2000 miles. Highly recumbent it.
I've spent the last 5 weeks researching the 45e and the iX. This series of videos have convinced me that the 45e is the way for my particular usage requirements. Having made a sustainability commitment, my X5 M50d will go in January 2021 and be replaced by the 45e
This is just the perfect mix for this stage in our evolution of charging infrastructure. Once there are chargers everywhere we can go fully electric, but for now a PHEV with a proper battery that can handle 50 mile trips and charge easily overnight is perfect.
Excellent review. Looking at one of these to replace my 330e. In your review (sound the 13min mark), you mention about the engine kicking in and being cold whilst mid drive. I am like you and very mechanically minded so was worried about this with my 330e. What you will notice is that the battery level will still drop for a couple of miles after switching as it assists the engine to help protect it. Once it is sufficiently warmed, the engine will then help regen some power into the batteries. I think this is also the reason why you can’t deplete the battery (on full EV) below 8%.
2 years into my Range Rover Sport P400 PHEV has all the toys but if it had i-drive would be perfect surprisingly for a RR no problems live down the road from Burford
I've been watching your videos since the beginning of time Harry and I think that this is one of the best. Unbiased, straight to the point and really highlighting those practical factors you pick up from real world ownership and use...you just wouldn't pick up some of these things from a test drive. To get all of that information into a video a shade over 20 mins is very impressive. Keep up the great work.
News on the Alpaca please Harry how was winter for them...? how they cope with Lock down...? any young ones this year, how about a monthly Alpaca update...
Large stationary engines often have electric oil pressure boost pumps that ensure there is oil pressure before the engine is cranked. Not sure if they do this in PHEVs but it would not be a very expensive thing to do.
I bought one. Got it in December. Black like yours. To avoid getting dirty trausers: Buy one without the M-package or lower the car before stepping out. Tip: you can use two fingers on the control wheel to zoom on the map. I will not take it offroad! My average is now 2 liters/100km! Thank for an excellent review!
A friend of mine got one and loves it. Now I have an X50e (the facelift) on order, and apparently it now charges more rapidly - it can use the 7kw. The buttons on the inside have gone though - I’d prefer to keep these. BMW have made it a bit quicker still, so they’ve disregarded Harry’s comment about unneeded performance 😊. It will be a bit different from my analogue 530i manual E61 estate…
Bought an X50e based (at least somewhat) on this review - thanks Harry. First tank lasted 1067 miles. In fact tomorrow the numbers will be even more amazing - 3 tanks of fuel, and 1 windscreen replaced. I hope these ratios do not continue! Car is a joy. Economical, smooth, fast. Lacks steering feel, but other than that it's exceptional.
Car companies should bring Harry in to critique their designs,I'm only 2 minutes in and I'm waiting for the menu interface gubbins "gotta hit 15 buttons to turn on radio 4"
I've been waiting for this review for 6 months since I ordered mine (same as the one reviewed from what i can see) and it's been a long wait for your review, and also for my delivery which is in 11 days now!! Thanks for all you do, I even jumped on YT yesterday evening to see what you'd put out and was really surprised there was nothing there until i realise it was only Saturday!!! Great channel, keep up the great work.
@@MinhNguyen-tz8ti it’s the best car I’ve had and I’ve had a lot of cars because I’m old now 🤪 you’ll love it I’m sure. Had an issue with the AC which meant it was in the garage for 3 weeks having a full new system fitted but it’s ok now and no other issues. Enjoy.
How much did the panels cost and did you enquire with the suppliers wether they cover the expensive cost of removal and recycling at the end of their life cycle?
Me thinks a review of the GLE 350de (which seems to have a bigger battery and is very refined despite being a diesel), and a comparison with the X5, is in order. Speaking of Mercedes, I believe that their engineers are aware of the cold start problem, and thus made some engine components in the hybrid version stronger than the non-hybrid versions. The engine also doesn't give max power for the first couple of seconds to safeguard it; however, it's still recommended not to hammer the engine when it kicks in cold; I believe Porsche also went through several engines testing this kind of thing, until they figured how to make them more robust...so you're definitely right in having mechanical sympathy Harry!
My 2017 F30 335D was more noisy than my new daily 2019 Mazda 3 because of the run flats. Oh, and no steering feedback compared to the E36/e46 era and you have a horrible combination. No grip whatsoever as well when pushing it compared to a good normal road tyre.
Harry.. A wealthy man with a stock of expensive vehicles... But buys a non BMW boot (trunk) protector... You have to respect a genuine man in this world where showing off your wealth seems to be the normal thing.. Harry is an English gem... Wish he was the PM...
They should just give you another free long-termer. Your opinion has a lot of weight and I'm sure they've sold quite a few of those X5s thanks to your positive reviews and recommendations. Maybe one without the M-Sport package so you don't have to worry about your trousers?
Thanks Harry, great video, very informative! I’ve ordered mine after I’ve seen your first video with this very vehicle and I’m getting it on the 8th March. The overly possible review from someone like you, means a great deal to me! I am now even more confident that I’ve made the right choice. Just wasn’t sure about the colour my wife has chosen (Dravit Grey) but it’s only fair I’ve chosen the car and she the colour in and out. Brilliant job as always Harry! Thank you 🙏
I’m about to drive 1/2 way across the country for one! Kind Stranger! Hopefully you see this in time. Would you please let me know if you’ve had any issues or regrets with your 45e hybrid?
@@brianbgood Hello Brian 👋🏼 Well I’ve had my X5 45e for about a year now and confidently can say, it is the right SUV for my family! Saying the above doesn’t mean that the X5 45e is perfect, it is not! I haven’t had any mechanical or software issues(I’ve had pretty much every option added on) but BMW had enough time to get the build quality and tech on very very high level! I’ve owned a dozen high end cars and BMW is probably the best in quality of materials and build. I’ll give them 9/10 The problem is not with the vehicle itself but with the whole segment of plug in hybrids and that is the WEIGHT these vehicles are much much heavier than the same with combustion engines, for example my X5 e45 weights 2450kg and the diesel powered X5 is 2100kg or thereabouts. The way it feels and behaves is so different, there’s enough power to move the SUV but it’s heavy and you can feel it especially if you are a bit more enthusiastic on a twisty B road! Even the adaptive air suspension doesn’t hide this, it leans a lot more then the Diesel or Petrol X5. The other potential issue is the EV range the claimed 55miles is anything but true, unless you are prepared to drive with no AC or ventilation of any sort and pretty much everything switched off with a speed of 30mph In a good sunny summer day. Realistically you are looking at 40-44 miles summer time and 30-33 EV miles at cold wintery day. Now this will work for some and certainly does for me as I use it for very short journeys, school run, shopping and a short commute! If you are looking to travel further than 40-50 miles a day probably you’d have to think twice before you get this Plug in SUV! Once the battery is depleted you are in for a surprise, you basically have one very very heavy and uneconomical SUV 25 mpg average. The last downside is the efficiency of the EV power train you are looking at 1.8 to 2.1 miles per kW which is not great in the EV realms. All of the above is inherent issue with all Plug In hybrids it is a compromise basically in order to have the Combustion engine for a longer journeys. Bottom line a fantastic BMW with a astonishingly high quality interior and build quality. Hope the above helps. Good luck 👍
We got one in November last year. Until now we drove 2/3 on pure electric, that means an average consumption (on German roads) of 3,3 L/100km. I think this is really amazing for a car like this.
Of course the more you drive electrical the less fuel consumption you will receive, its simpy mathematics. Nothing to do with efficiency. Its much More Important how efficient you drove in EV Mode ? It will be around 30 kWh and Even higher. Thats way to inefficant compaird to a Model X Most People thinking „i just have to drive electrical in my 2,5 t SUV and then i will Save the world, Redicular!!!!
@@visionmodernclassics3062 I didn´t mean the efficiency. You have misunderstood me. I wanted to highlight how much pure electric driving is possible for a Plug-in-hybrid. By the way, a Tesla Model X won´t save the world either.
@@drbiermann I just mentioned a the Model X because its compairable to an X5. And i totally agree with you. A Model X wont safe our planet either. But people have to realize that we cannot overcome physical rules even with modern cars. 2,5 t, packaged as a „sporty“ and „lifestyle“ SUV cannot be moved as efficient as typical sedan, which offers respectly more space for its passengers than a SUV. But this argument its too rational... we buy...oh noo we rent (what...how dare you to use the verb „to rent“, we are leasing cars) according to their image. We have to show to our nightbours and to the world how adventurous we could be if we had only the courage to go outside and enjoy nature....but this would mean we have to move our bodies with our own muscles...puhhh thats too exhausting so we might sweat. Better we support our sons and daughters to be part of the fridays for future protests...oh look there is my daughter walking in that crowd. She is part of the movement which complains without providing solutions or point out how our lifestyle can be changed to environmentally friendly behaviour. Oh damm im so proud of her. And Look how the media reports in such postive way about this movement, unbelievable how objectiv our media is!!! And last we dont have to forget that PHEV and BEV are only competitive due to high governental subsidies and tax reductions. Its rediculous that the goverment support a certain technology. Subsidies should be grant Independently from the Technology. The market will creat the most efficient mobility solutions not the Lobby Industry. Maybe i will experience this in my next life who knows
This has been a great video review series, Harry. So good in fact, I have a few friends who have bought them as a result of your review - just a pity you won't be buying one (did you negotiate a £20k retainer plus sell on commission - LOL!). Would you reconsider if they brought out a farmers-edition (no side skirt, plus it stay's up when you push the ride height button), over what appears to be the farming-superior new Defender? Good Luck!
0,16cents per kWh.... If I were living in 🇬🇧 and not in Germany, I would buy this car. Its marvealously cheap on electric, especially with the price for electricity in GB. Great review, Harry. As always informative and a pleasure to watch. Thank you very much. Looking forward for next sunday.
Hi, Günther! Our electricity may seem cheap compared to Germany's, but I think perhaps other costs might make this car an expensive purchase. Insurance premiums in particular can be terrifying! :-)
I just don't get it. If it's no good off road then surely a refined estate/large hatch would crush it for mpg. While matching practicality and usability. From an eco pov large hatch/estate would also require fewer materials to build. An even better eco choice is buying a car already made over buying new. I'm not conformable the governments are encouraging the car builders down the right route. But we've seen that before... Diesels.
They should have pushed LPG, it is very low emissions wise. I don't get how any of these heavy, aerodynamically bad, suvs that have been made even heavier by the hybrid side of things can even qualify as "green". It's insane.
@@IverKnackerov an e class wagon has more space than an x5 inside and drives better ride height doesn't mean much when you have shitty sidewalls on tires too
Great video Harry. I’m on my second Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, it would benefit from a bigger battery 16 miles realistically going up and down Pennines hills. Having said that, I sometimes (in spring /summer/autumn go 3 months without filling up (costs about £43:00 to fill) Using all the heated gizmos in winter screen/wheel/seats/rear screen/electric pre heater hammers the battery as you would expect. Having said that, 5 hours to charge on a 3 pin plug at home, or on the rare time I charge it at a fast charger, it’s got a fast charge socket. It’s a great car for working locally, but as a repmobile, buy diesel. I’m with you Harry, PHEV for the foreseeable. P.S. if everything is going to be electric cars, where is the generating power going to come from?
Had one for a overnight test drive. An epic piece kit. I'd might even call this a class leader in these big suv plug-ins. I love the look of this and the interior. But indeed it feels enormous. Super easy to forget your keys with this car. Opens and closes locks and boot automatically.
Best car I have ever owned, great video Harry, agree with all you have said including the "cheap buttons" to change the drive mode. Love the V6 so much better than the 4 cylinder
Harry, best car I ever bought. Totally agree with your review. Don’t forget although slow to charge, whilst engine is running and whenever you brake there is battery charging going on - albeit slow. BMW NAV & Infotainment paired with I-drive is simply in a class of its own. Pure refinement and a perfect long distance car for the family. Also experienced remote BMW support which was excellent in helping problem solve so I could continue my journey without having to go to a dealer. Highly highly addictive.
My eleven-year-old Nissan Note averages 54mpg, granted it's not as fast and maybe a little less refined ;) but then it cost eight hundred quid so there's that.
I have had this car for a year and love. One area of concern is it’s width on U.K. roads. Fine on motorways but on country lanes or town road it leaves me nervous. I wish there was a net in the boot where there is a recess, this to provide a means of holding shopping bags in place. Final point, the adaptive LED headlights provide under full beam a moving spotlight which I do not like. The lazer headlights are very good but cost a further £2000. Final comment, in a year with COVID the vehicle gas covered 7500 miles and will very soon need the front tyres replacing, a rather short life.
Love the videos. Your model 3 pushed my dad into the world of EV cars. Had our test drive yesterday and the whole family loved it and we put an order in :)
Brilliant video! I currently have a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. I _absolutely_ love it. I get about 23 miles EV range in winter and about 30 in summer. The BMW is definitely my next car. Whilst an average of 25 miles EV range is fine (my commute is only 14 miles per day) I could do with a tad more for weekends.
Another great review Harry - must watch for anyone looking at this car as an option. The ~50 mile EV range always interested me but what I never realised is the so slow charging - weird! So the bug question is what is Harry gonna buy? New Hybrid Defender or keep the trusty Range Rover?
Great series of videos on this car. I'm getting ready to order one and your review really sealed the deal for me on ordering the hybrid rather than the pure petrol version. The $9k in rebates and tax credits in California for the hybrid helped with the decision also.
I think you're quite right. Imagine what this car would be like with a 3.0 250bhp ish diesel. 800 mile range, and easily 60-70mpg. And still under 7 seconds to 60mph
Great content as usual Harry! Would be interested in the comparison between this and the 545e. If the lower drag coefficient and slightly less weight makes any difference to the mpg, but I do have a suspicion that it isn’t exactly the same system due to the space available between platforms.
After watching your video on the X5 45e PHEV and doing some research of the competition, I’m about ready to buy one, it’s a 2020 model high spec and covered 7,500 mile. Seeing the tests and statistics you’ve given and your honest opinion,what more can we want. Keep the reviews coming and I’ll keep watch…..thanks again.
I hate modern "smart" keys, especially the huge, car-shaped ones that are more of an announcement for the valet than something to fit comfortably in your pocket. Why can't they go back to modestly-sized keys of only a few years ago? (Or use your phone like a Tesla)
I would definitely stick with a normal key. I'd almost go as far as saying I wouldn't buy a car that used my phone to get in. For starters, once you know which button is which, you know exactly which button to press even if the key is in your pocket. Secondly modern phones tend to run out of batteries quicker than EVs. What happens then? Car makers seem determined to provide solutions to problems that don't exist. See HVAC controls or volume dials buried in touchscreen menus!
I very nearly bought this car a year ago when the PCP on my X5 3.0 diesel was up. I dodged it for 2 reasons, both around charging - exactly as Harry mentions re the tortoise performance on charging up and, as applies to every EV or PHEV, the still woeful lack of infrastructure in the UK. Great review Harry as usual.
The run flat tires that came on my 2003 Mini Cooper have turned me off from one run flats for the rest of my life. They were loud, hard, and ridiculously expensive.
Just came across this video after researching this car for a while. Currently have 2007 Lexus RX 400h. 165k miles. Great car but wanting to try something new. Not ready for Tesla. SUPER helpful review. Looks like a very good car. Thank you!
I love that observation "Germany hasn't got enough power station capacity to allow fast charging". It's something that will hit us at some stage... I really want to support the all electric era but it's ambitions are all over the place. Supplying electricity is going to be at the hands of the commercial market, can you imagine how much it's going to cost at a motorway services for example? I also agree with Harry and other comments, putting high demands on a cold engine can't be good.
Even worse, the now tax-free EV will be higly charged with taxes when EV get a reasonably market share. It's that simple: the government gets the money where it can get it. When petrol sales go back, they get taxes elsewhere.
This statement about the German power capacity is wrong. There are regulations against single-phase charging over 20 amps or 4.6 kW (20A@230V). Charging has to be three-phase above that, but then you can get 11 kW at home, even 22 kW, but that has to be approved by your local power company first. European power grids are three-phase and the three phases need to be as close to symmetrically in use as possible to avoid the power grid transformers to see an unbalanced load (one coil getting a lot hotter than the other two). If you have more and more cars go electric and they all high-power charge on phase one, it will make the grid go down. The charger in the Range Rovers, I-Pace and so on are old and outdated designs from a one-charger-fits-all-markets point of view for cost cutting. Most EVs sold in Europe are now being upgraded to 11 kW three-phase to mitigate that. BMW could install an 11 kW charger in the X5 and the charging rate would then outperform the Range Rover. They just don't want to, because they still use the five year old charger in that car that they had in all the previous BMW PHEVs. Next generation will be 11 kW for sure to be competitive. And this is not specific to Germany. Your British power grid is also three-phase, you just have a lot more older grids in rural areas that are only supplied single-phase. You would also profit from three-phase chargers in the cars.
Great video Harry! Considering a 320d vs 330e (Touring) this year. Do you think despite not having any bik claim available, would the residuals and similar tech and potential low running costs to the X5, make the 330e a good pick even with the premium?
I live in Germany where whe have the Autobahn and I have to say your Interstates suck- and many of the people who use it. Sorry, nothing to do with you (since you are obviously interested in cars and driving) but you need propper driving education over there.
This great review by Harry was one of the reasons we ordered a 45e earlier this year. It arrived in June, and we’ve been delighted with it ever since. The boot is big enough for 2 large dogs, the front seats are tremendously comfortable and the refinement is top notch. And personally I think it’s a very handsome vehicle. On the downside, the air suspension isn’t quite as fluent around town as I’d hoped, while the charging speed is glacial. We knew most of our journeys were going to be relative short, and in that role the economy has been exceptional for such a large and luxurious car, IF you keep it charged. If you can’t charge it regularly - and for most of September we couldn’t, because it caused power cuts at our new home (we live in Valencia) - the picture is less rosy. That problem is now fixed, and the joy/relief of having battery power once more is immense. Driving purely on combustion power dropped economy into the high 20s, which was understandable but expensive and annoying. Putting that aside, however, here are two sample trips: Madrid to Segovia and back: temperature 39C, 170 km (about 106 miles),90% of which was on A and B roads, with a total of around 7500 ft of climbing/descending; 60mpg and 100% of battery power used. Madrid to Valencia: temperature 37C; 375 km (about 230 miles), of which 220 miles were motorway cruising at 70-75mph; descent of a little under 2000 ft over the course of the journey; car loaded up to the proverbial gunwales plus a large roof box and a rear bike rack carrying two 27kg e-bikes; 39mpg and 100% of battery power used. The return trip to Madrid: empty car, no bike rack but with an empty roof box on the top; 33mpg. So the roof box and the return to the altitude of Madrid seem to have played their part in increasing the fuel consumption. Make of all that what you will!
Thanks for the detailed comment. We now have a PHEV Range Rover and the faster charging makes a huge difference, despite the battery only being half the size as the one in the X5. The BMW has the better drivetrain of the two but we're getting more pure EV miles from the RR, purely because it charges 3x faster than the X5 (we don't do many long trips)
Your elecric calcs are out - the kWs the car reports is what it has used and not how much is needed to charge it. Charging has losses and is not 100% efficient.
That may be true, however having owned this car for a year and monitored the petrol and electricity consumption it has saved reduced my running costs significantly over the previous X5 which was a diesel.
Harry, the only person who will say out loud that charging is slow, and the engine in the front starts and spins ice cold. That's what we called a proper review!
and glad he point that out. I had the occasion to try a x2 25e. Find out the petrol engine start to run on the highway at 90mph and 3000rpm... stone cold.
... it looks like you guys are better engineers than the team BMW has 🥴 just saying... don’t go ballistic on me now 😃
@@radoslavdimitrov1101 I don't, don't worry. It's just a "mechanical feeling" as he say, when you gas on a cold engine. I guess they know what they are doing :)
@@radoslavdimitrov1101 I once heard in an mercedes engineer interview that through the good lubrication of modern oil, suddlenly running the engine at these RPM isnt a big deal
@@werbinich7908 interesting to know! Thanks :)
I just like to hear him talk.
agree. And Iain Tyrrell
Agreed
I would love Harry to be a reader of audio books
...and fell asleep. 😉
Very useful real world experience on the use of a PHEV. Top clip, as usual, Harry.
Absolutely
But 50mpg is not remarkable (a 1 litre, 3 cylinder Ford Focus does that). If one wants to make a 'green' car, make it a 1 litre, 3 cylinder (or similar) and then add the hybrid stuff. And don't make it needlessly huge. Its mpg would be much better, and it would be much better for the environment. And maybe - just maybe - then future governments won't feel such a great need (or have less of an excuse) to tax the hell out of petrol sports cars and the like.
@@julianevans9548 I get where you are coming from and completely agree, but its not really the same class of car, and if every cars was hybrid and lets say 35-50% of monthly miles are electric that's still a great improvement compared to older diesel SUV, its like the current progression of EV's all they do is make them faster, bigger and heavier, instead of lighter and more efficient. Who is ever going to need sub 2.0 sec to 60 mph.
@@WascalSpiwit Yes, the obsession with fast EVs makes no sense. Make them efficient, and we can perhaps keep real sports cars, rather than milk floats that move at rocket speed (the novelty of that will wear off after four goes, I reckon).
As for SUVs, almost nobody needs one. We never did; we still don't.
Julian Evans when you factor in the amount of electricity used to charge the battery, the equivalent mpg is more like 37. Heavy cars with big frontal areas and poor aerodynamics are never going to be very efficient, even when purely electric. Many of the people who buy them have more money than sense.
In the last 18 months I've done 9707 miles in my 330e and used 73.9 gallons, that's 131 mpg. I reckon at least 75% of my miles are electric. It's refined and fast and I'm very happy with it.
Could you have hone fully electric?
@@matthewlewis2072 With hindsight yes, but I was expecting to do more distance journeys this past year, and they didn't happen.
Yes, I was sure that was a better choice
So if 75% was electric ... why not make it 100% for the next car? It's not a massive jump if you are already doing 6000 miles a year on electric only.
@@Gdank72 I probably will. Before the 330e I had two Leafs, but they were limited on range and rhe charging system wasn't good enough so I went for a phev. Both issues have now moved forward so I'll go back to leccy.
Word of the day “ACE”, just like this channel.
Harry's praises and quibbles hold value. The best car reviewer on YT
Absolutely
@@mrmartin2079 Yup!
I would like to comment on the "lack of power capacity" in German homes. That is simply untrue. There are regulations in place in Germany that demand a symmetric three-phase power draw when exceeding 4.6 kilowatts. Private charging points must not charge more than 20 amps single-phase, which is 4.6 kW at 230 volts. Cars like the Range Rover are therefore not able to fully utilize their 7.2 kilowatt single-phase onboard chargers on those charging stations at home. If you want to have more than 4.6 kilowatts, the car has to be equipped with a three-phase charger. Then you can do 11 or even 22 kilowatts at home, but the latter does have to be approved by the power company first. Standard household supply in Germany is 44 kilowatts (three-phase at 63 amps). 7.2 kilowatt single-phase chargers are just very attractive from a cost point of view for the car manufacturer because you can sell this onboard charger worldwide and it will fit most market needs, like in the US (where there is no three-phase for EV charging) or China (where single-phase 32 amps is standard although they do have three-phase power). Many of today's EVs started with 7.2 kW, but have now been upgraded to 11 kW three-phase (like the Jaguar I-Pace or the Hyundai Kona) to comply to European charging standards. So BMW just has to upgrade that damn old charger in the X5, which they have used for several years in the former PHEV models as well. That's just old stuff. Put an 11 kilowatt charger in it, and you will be able to relatively fast-charge that car in Germany and the rest of Europe.
Very informative! Thanks.
Do you know if this can be retrofitted? Now or in future or it is what it is and we have to be put up with it? It’s a shame as this slow rate makes it unusable at a public charge points.
@@radoslavdimitrov1101 in theory, yes. Like it would also be possible to retrofit a newer generation of battery system. But it is unlikely in my opinion. You would also need to switch the charge port and high voltage cables to the charger which would be thicker and possibly would not fit in the original position in the car body. Also, financial aspects. Example: if you bought a first-gen BMW i3 with the 21.6 kWh battery, two years later you could pay a significant amount of money to upgrade to the then-new 33.2 kWh battery system and so increase the range of your existing car. But the total cost was close to selling your old car and buying the newer version while still missing out on the other improvements introduced with the newer battery, like three-phase charging 😉. So not that attractive.
@@jan-hendrikbussmann4644 Very interesting. So knowing that German HH already had 44kW 3-ph charge, they missed a big opportunity there. Wonder when the upgrade will come since as you say the mods are quite extensive. I also wonder what the cost of the 3-phase charger install is in both UK and German as this needs to be factored in to the capital cost.
@@paredding Three-phase wallboxes are not that much more than single-phase ones. In the end, it is a glorified power outlet with over-current and fault current protection. It gets more expensive if it has smart features like an internal power metering unit, WiFi and so on. On the onboard charger side, a three-phase design is much more complex because many components are simply needed per phase, so three times instead of one. In general, the complexity of the internal design of the charger increases a lot for three-phase. This also makes for a huge packaging problem: the chargers get a lot bigger, so they may not fit in the position of the old one. It is actually mostly a problem for PHEVs. They have to fit a combustion engine with all the stuff around it and also the electric part of the drivetrain. The onboard charger in a PHEV is like the least favorite child of the manufacturer: it often gets the Harry Potter room of the house, stuffed in some dark place. On a fully electric car, most of the time it is not that difficult to find a suitable spot for the charger. Which also means the charger does not have to be fully optimized for being small first, powerful later.
EDIT: crap, wrote another novel.
@@jan-hendrikbussmann4644 Not at all - the more we know, the better (more informed) decision can be taken. Devil in the detail and all that. The next step (for me) would be to see the vehicle capital cost diff between ICE and PHEV plus install costs and the ROI 'cos 50mpg v 45mpg isnt going to cut it ;-)
I have a previous gen X5 40e and I love everything except the 4cyl, it sounds terrible and performance drops dramatically when the battery is depleted. I was actually very happy to see BMW going with the 6 cylinder on the new generation.
Do you recommend buying a used 2018 x5 40e with the 4 cylinder engine, or find one with the 6 cylinder?
@@sharisees I love mine and it has been reliable. Drive both and see which one you like best. I think I would get the 6 cyl if money was no object just because it sounds so much better.
Even with depleted battery no lack of power in my 40e....seriously powerful 4 cyl.... after 3 30ds.....little difference.... very economical in comparison to oil burner
We’ve had ours for three months now and are really loving it! Refined is definitely the right word to describe its long distance comfort. At the same time it’s very happy to be pushed a little harder on some alpine roads.
I think PHEVs are the perfect daily, you can use it to go to shops and short trips on EV mode and still go on a cross country trip without fearing your battery runs out
The X5 45e is a superb car. I’ve had mine since June 2020. 9,000 miles covered with 6,800 on pure electric. Indicated 87 MPG ave over that period. Most journeys are sub 40 miles. Yes the charging is very slow but if you are considering one of these I would highly recommend!!
How to use the Modes the best? I Whoud say town Full elektric on normal road where i Drive 100kmh Sport?
I am also an actual farmer in CA and this review was a massive help. I'm debating between this and the Defender and I think I can confidently make a decision now. Thank you!
Owner of a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for 4 years and very similar experience. Love driving in electric mode and no range anxiety for long trips. It's the journeys that are just too long to do on electric that are annoying. Either maximise electric capacity or use more petrol to warm the ICE system properly (first world problem). I try to avoid overtaking until the engine has been running a while but spirited pulling out of junctions can cause the engine to fire up when not really required. Overall very happy and will keep it until long range EVs are affordable.
Also, you’re not driving the farmer’s spec. Get it without the M Sport pack and you’ll lose those side sills. Here in the US, 19’s are standard. Stick with those or 20’s with a little more aggressive tires and you’re all set.
Hi Joe, In the UK we only get M Sport X5's, SE not an option and smallest wheel size on 45e offered is 20".
@@alexwells4364 Sorry but your wrong in the uk you can get the x line model which comes without those side sills & gets 19 inch wheels
Harry, thanks for the top notch review. I purchased ours in October 2020. I’m still amazed at and in love with this car. I just found the manual mode and used the paddle shifters for the first time. What an absolute blast! Rides like a dream. Incredibly refined and quiet. Love it! Thanks again.
Harry, they dropped the 'smart key' recently, only comes with 2 conventional keys now
Does it not come with the conventional keys anyway and the pointless key is a paid option? Was for my x3
The smart key can drive the car out of tight spaces, if you have that option! Charges at the wireless charging pad. Is still delivered in Norway.
The smart key was rubbish indeed. Glad they got rid of it
Good - some useless things with my 7 series - that clunky key, the LCD rear passenger remote pad which basically mimics a standard Samsung smartphone , tinted rear side windows when blinds are specified and gesture control.
It’s cool to have but ours got locked away and never used. It’s pointless when you can’t attach keys to it and if you drop it what if it breaks. The two other keys were great quality anyway so they are easy to use. Also, if you have keyless entry, it defeats the point having a fancy key as it stays in your pocket or handbag anyway.
I love my X5 45e. I typically get around 51 electric miles on one charge (ignore the predicted electric range on the driver's screen its alway wrong!). Mix of long distance commuting and local journeys has returned 55mpg combined. It's incredibly quiet inside, iDrive is fab, as Harry says virtually zero body roll and is a delight to drive; infact we think its even nippier than the 330e we have. A super-comfortable family car.Thanks Harry, another great review.
I’m about to drive across the country to get one. Any issues with yours yet?
The cold engine issue is one I had anxiety about when I had an i8. Most of my driving could be done in electric only but when I wanted to drive in a spirited manner I always held back because of my mechanical sympathy for the cold engine.
Not just me then!
I suppose the only way around that would be to run the car gently in sport mode to get the engine warm, then revert back to normal/eco mode.
I’ve had a cayenne hybrid which also had a lot of stone cold starts because of the hybrid system; after 120k KMs the engine needed twice a full soot cleaning because the secondary air flows got clogged up from all the cold starts. Car is sold and I’m never buying hybrid again
Indeed. Had the same thoughts on my i8 too. Freezing cold turbo engine revving to 7000 rpm from spot on when overtaking.
I recall seeing an F30 330e reversing out of a parking space a while ago. It couldn't have been very old really, but when the petrol engine cut in it sounded like it was on its last legs
I love your reviews. They feel so honest and real.
I know one owner of a 4-series BMW hybrid who got it because the company accountant stated it was good for tax reasons. Drives everywhere in Sport mode with engine running. Doesn't care about mpg, the environment or "virtue signalling". Harry has been meticulous in gathering the data for us enthusiastic viewers but, lets be honest, does anyone who can afford a £70k car reallyu care about mpg? Cold start from zero to 3000 rpm at -10degC is going to trash an engine but BMW trust it will be OK throughout the warranty period. German charging infrastructure is an important point. If EV's really increased on UK roads, we couldn't charge them all either. A really excellent, thoughtful, independent video. Still, my diesel Mondeo estate would do the Brands Hatch trip at 47mpg and hardly depreciates so I'm not envious though I wouldn't mind a free BMW for six months.
I wish Harry could review more mainstream cars. His honesty and experience is supremely informative. Keep it up!
I agree but he's a bit limited as there is only him doing it. I imagine trying to do quality reviews like this takes up a fair bit of his time already and if he started doing mainstream stuff he would have to do most of them to make it fair.
It would be great if we could somehow multiply him and get 10 vids per day but I fear cloning is a way off for that just yet.
I don't
Wife just asked if I wanted to spice our life up a little by introducing some electric toys. I told her that Harry says PHEV is the way to go rather than EV. She gave me a dirty look and stormed off. I don't understand women sometimes.
Don't do it, I've owned an EV for 4 years now, will never buy a Fossil car again. Keep them for the race track. (also the resale of a PHEV in 4 years will tank!)
@@simonyapp I think you may have missed the joke.
Whoosh!
400v that'l spice things up. vision of thick orange cables, snaking under duvet.
and I wouldn't worry about the resale value - I don't think there's much of a market for 2nd hand electric toys....
Brilliant video. Thank you. I was thinking to buy one and now, the decision is made. I will buy it.
I know this video is a year old now but I really want one of these. Love your detailed review in both videos. Thankyou
Harry, this complete series of reviews has been terrific. I now know more about this car than many owners!
Can’t help but think that current high end hybrid cars are just a way for rich people to circumvent pollution regulations in cities and the like. Terribly complicated cars with plenty to go wrong, mainly thought to be owned under leasing for 3 years and after that if something goes wrong might well end up with a totalled car. Fuel consumption numbers only add up when driven very gently or in ideal conditions and seen with rose tinted glasses.
Hybrids were intented for mpg only. As far as people go. The rich don't want to spend money on gas either.
BTW Porsche had build the World's first Hybrid in 1898.
I've just ordered a new C300de - I went for it partly because of the insane amount of torque which is slightly more than the C63S, the other part of it was due to mpg. It should be significantly more lively car than the straight ICE versions (excluding the C63).
Completely agree... I have an XC60 Recharge as a company car and it is so expensive to maintain. It's great if you plug it in constantly in between short trips, but then if you add every bill up it becomes more expensive than an EV or ICE. One system (Electric or combustion) goes down and you're left with a useless car. This is not for the common family, rather it's to flex engineering abilities.
I hardly consider the RAV 4 as a rich person's car or one that's expensive to maintain
Very good comment and I wish people would realise that using a 2.2 T SUV is NOT a sustainable advancement as touted by Manufacturers.
Plus if you look at the life cycle analysis it’s actually costing more to the environment than traditional ICE cars. It’s also so expensive.
Excellent review and very consistent with my experience. I have 1100 miles on mine, and have driven 66% in pure electric mode. It is hard to describe until you drive it, but in electric mode the vehicle is refined and serene....it just makes you want to drive it more. That said, when the ICE kicks in, the sound is surprisingly good. This sounds like a BMW when you stomp on it, and that was an unexpected plus. Charging rate is a definite issue, and BMW will have to address that going forward, but if you are charging at home overnight, this doesn't impact your life. Terrific work on the reviews, all the best.
Good to know, the refinement on pure electric is uncanny and I should have made more of it in this video. There's a calmness that comes with town driving in this X5 PHEV that's one of this car's best features. Enjoy!
"I'm sure BMW have tested it". That is the biggest demonstration of The triumph of hope over experience I've ever heard. You know they didn't and they don't and they don't care.
indeed. having owned multiple BMW bikes I can only agree
The only thing BMW have definitely tested is how much BMW finance have to charge to make a profit before this thing becomes a liability and ends up in a landfill or some poor fucker's hands. All other things are maybe yes maybe not. Vorsprung durch financial engineering.
The key looks like a solution looking for a problem. Great review.
Harry you are so passionate about 4 and 2 wheels, a true petrol head! My 1977 cb400f is my addiction in life ❤
Aye as a 1977 cb550f owner please take take of her. These old Hondas are getting rarer by the day.
Thanks Harry. You’ve convinced me. Mine arrives in May.
I was supposed to get mine in January - but it's delayed until April...
I live in California and bought this same car exactly one year ago. We covered 9600 miles in that year and of that 5900 miles were on pure electric. we have a good solar system at the house and charge it on a level 2 charger every day. It has not made any difference to our Electric bill at all.. We get round 40 miles EV range, the US version limits the % use of the battery to increase its warranty, so its only rated at 30 miles. As its hilly where we live going up hills, ofter it is in Hybrid mode with the engine kicking in, flat or downhill its on electric. so we do pick up some regenerative energy giving us the higher miles on electric. I echo all of your comments about the car, so quiet and refined. One big difference in the US is we get a rebate for buying an EV car of $7500, that along with the $3500 discount from the dealer resulted in 11K off the list price of $71K. In GBP thats 46K pounds. It's a heck of a bargain at that price. Best miles on one tankful of petrol was just over 2000 miles. Highly recumbent it.
I've spent the last 5 weeks researching the 45e and the iX. This series of videos have convinced me that the 45e is the way for my particular usage requirements. Having made a sustainability commitment, my X5 M50d will go in January 2021 and be replaced by the 45e
Why replace the m50d? What was wrong with it?
That’s the first look at something hybrid and real world useable .
Very informative Harry.
This is just the perfect mix for this stage in our evolution of charging infrastructure. Once there are chargers everywhere we can go fully electric, but for now a PHEV with a proper battery that can handle 50 mile trips and charge easily overnight is perfect.
By far the best 45e review i have ever seen !!! Hats off to you, sir !!!
Excellent review. Looking at one of these to replace my 330e. In your review (sound the 13min mark), you mention about the engine kicking in and being cold whilst mid drive. I am like you and very mechanically minded so was worried about this with my 330e. What you will notice is that the battery level will still drop for a couple of miles after switching as it assists the engine to help protect it. Once it is sufficiently warmed, the engine will then help regen some power into the batteries. I think this is also the reason why you can’t deplete the battery (on full EV) below 8%.
Awesome! My 45e is scheduled for production mid-April, can't wait!
2 years into my Range Rover Sport P400 PHEV has all the toys but if it had i-drive would be perfect surprisingly for a RR no problems live down the road from Burford
Jerkin the gurkin 😄
The only thing bad with the RR Sport p400 phev is the 4cyl engine. Its really bad for such a big car to have that kind of a small engine.
I've been watching your videos since the beginning of time Harry and I think that this is one of the best.
Unbiased, straight to the point and really highlighting those practical factors you pick up from real world ownership and use...you just wouldn't pick up some of these things from a test drive.
To get all of that information into a video a shade over 20 mins is very impressive.
Keep up the great work.
Given thumbs up already, Harry is the best on cars on You Tube!
The replacement of the old Top Gear from the early to.late 00s.
News on the Alpaca please Harry how was winter for them...? how they cope with Lock down...? any young ones this year, how about a monthly Alpaca update...
Give the people what they want, Harry
Harry doesn't even know what an Alpaca is when he's got his car hat on 😉
@@marcob1729 Ignore the people and Clarkson will flood his farm with Alpaca mark my word.
Great video as usual. The old saying, unsure if true was that "90% of engine wear occurs during startup". This might start to apply more than ever.
Large stationary engines often have electric oil pressure boost pumps that ensure there is oil pressure before the engine is cranked. Not sure if they do this in PHEVs but it would not be a very expensive thing to do.
I bought one. Got it in December. Black like yours. To avoid getting dirty trausers: Buy one without the M-package or lower the car before stepping out. Tip: you can use two fingers on the control wheel to zoom on the map. I will not take it offroad! My average is now 2 liters/100km! Thank for an excellent review!
A friend of mine got one and loves it. Now I have an X50e (the facelift) on order, and apparently it now charges more rapidly - it can use the 7kw. The buttons on the inside have gone though - I’d prefer to keep these. BMW have made it a bit quicker still, so they’ve disregarded Harry’s comment about unneeded performance 😊. It will be a bit different from my analogue 530i manual E61 estate…
Bought an X50e based (at least somewhat) on this review - thanks Harry. First tank lasted 1067 miles. In fact tomorrow the numbers will be even more amazing - 3 tanks of fuel, and 1 windscreen replaced. I hope these ratios do not continue! Car is a joy. Economical, smooth, fast. Lacks steering feel, but other than that it's exceptional.
Car companies should bring Harry in to critique their designs,I'm only 2 minutes in and I'm waiting for the menu interface gubbins "gotta hit 15 buttons to turn on radio 4"
I've been waiting for this review for 6 months since I ordered mine (same as the one reviewed from what i can see) and it's been a long wait for your review, and also for my delivery which is in 11 days now!! Thanks for all you do, I even jumped on YT yesterday evening to see what you'd put out and was really surprised there was nothing there until i realise it was only Saturday!!! Great channel, keep up the great work.
How is your car right now? Do you like it? I already ordered one , still waiting for delivery ( September/22)
@@MinhNguyen-tz8ti it’s the best car I’ve had and I’ve had a lot of cars because I’m old now 🤪 you’ll love it I’m sure. Had an issue with the AC which meant it was in the garage for 3 weeks having a full new system fitted but it’s ok now and no other issues. Enjoy.
@@andrewfoster1535 thank you
I love the fact that you spent your own money on a boot protector for a loan car. Classy.
it's 10 pounds dude...
Mine has done 75mpg since we bought it a month ago. We charge it during the day from Solar panels on the roof ... win win! Fab car.
How much did the panels cost and did you enquire with the suppliers wether they cover the expensive cost of removal and recycling at the end of their life cycle?
Top review Harry. I bought one based on your initial review.
Me thinks a review of the GLE 350de (which seems to have a bigger battery and is very refined despite being a diesel), and a comparison with the X5, is in order.
Speaking of Mercedes, I believe that their engineers are aware of the cold start problem, and thus made some engine components in the hybrid version stronger than the non-hybrid versions. The engine also doesn't give max power for the first couple of seconds to safeguard it; however, it's still recommended not to hammer the engine when it kicks in cold; I believe Porsche also went through several engines testing this kind of thing, until they figured how to make them more robust...so you're definitely right in having mechanical sympathy Harry!
2:06 normal tyres improve every aspect of the cars - you should do a video on it
My 2017 F30 335D was more noisy than my new daily 2019 Mazda 3 because of the run flats. Oh, and no steering feedback compared to the E36/e46 era and you have a horrible combination. No grip whatsoever as well when pushing it compared to a good normal road tyre.
Harry.. A wealthy man with a stock of expensive vehicles... But buys a non BMW boot (trunk) protector... You have to respect a genuine man in this world where showing off your wealth seems to be the normal thing..
Harry is an English gem... Wish he was the PM...
The first thing that springs to my mind when seeing one on the road is unmarked copper
Or a Drug Dealer.
That's POLICE for all our brothers and sisters in the US ! Copper = Policeman.
"Crikey! It's the rozzers!" ;-)
@@EleanorPeterson or the Fuzz
@Blank Blank Hence the name Blank Blank I guess!
They should just give you another free long-termer. Your opinion has a lot of weight and I'm sure they've sold quite a few of those X5s thanks to your positive reviews and recommendations. Maybe one without the M-Sport package so you don't have to worry about your trousers?
Thanks Harry, great video, very informative! I’ve ordered mine after I’ve seen your first video with this very vehicle and I’m getting it on the 8th March.
The overly possible review from someone like you, means a great deal to me! I am now even more confident that I’ve made the right choice.
Just wasn’t sure about the colour my wife has chosen (Dravit Grey) but it’s only fair I’ve chosen the car and she the colour in and out.
Brilliant job as always Harry! Thank you 🙏
I’m about to drive 1/2 way across the country for one! Kind Stranger! Hopefully you see this in time. Would you please let me know if you’ve had any issues or regrets with your 45e hybrid?
@@brianbgood Hello Brian 👋🏼
Well I’ve had my X5 45e for about a year now and confidently can say, it is the right SUV for my family!
Saying the above doesn’t mean that the X5 45e is perfect, it is not! I haven’t had any mechanical or software issues(I’ve had pretty much every option added on) but BMW had enough time to get the build quality and tech on very very high level! I’ve owned a dozen high end cars and BMW is probably the best in quality of materials and build. I’ll give them 9/10
The problem is not with the vehicle itself but with the whole segment of plug in hybrids and that is the WEIGHT these vehicles are much much heavier than the same with combustion engines, for example my X5 e45 weights 2450kg and the diesel powered X5 is 2100kg or thereabouts.
The way it feels and behaves is so different, there’s enough power to move the SUV but it’s heavy and you can feel it especially if you are a bit more enthusiastic on a twisty B road! Even the adaptive air suspension doesn’t hide this, it leans a lot more then the Diesel or Petrol X5.
The other potential issue is the EV range the claimed 55miles is anything but true, unless you are prepared to drive with no AC or ventilation of any sort and pretty much everything switched off with a speed of 30mph
In a good sunny summer day.
Realistically you are looking at 40-44 miles summer time and 30-33 EV miles at cold wintery day.
Now this will work for some and certainly does for me as I use it for very short journeys, school run, shopping and a short commute! If you are looking to travel further than 40-50 miles a day probably you’d have to think twice before you get this Plug in SUV! Once the battery is depleted you are in for a surprise, you basically have one very very heavy and uneconomical SUV 25 mpg average.
The last downside is the efficiency of the EV power train you are looking at 1.8 to 2.1 miles per kW which is not great in the EV realms.
All of the above is inherent issue with all Plug In hybrids it is a compromise basically in order to have the Combustion engine for a longer journeys.
Bottom line a fantastic BMW with a astonishingly high quality interior and build quality.
Hope the above helps.
Good luck 👍
Recently bought a 745le and never used the display key. Love the car though and so far averaging 52.7mpg over the last 1800 miles. Love it.
50 mpg with electric? The 730D gets that pretty much if so, I think the savings are negligible.
So nice to see a review with a long term range and efficiency figures for a PHEV. As I suspected, this is the only PHEV worth having
Just bought a 2017 golf gte 7.5. We are delighted with it. 170 miles in and 75mpg.
Totally agree on idrive. It’s the only system that I prefer using to carplay
We got one in November last year. Until now we drove 2/3 on pure electric, that means an average consumption (on German roads) of 3,3 L/100km. I think this is really amazing for a car like this.
Of course the more you drive electrical the less fuel consumption you will receive, its simpy mathematics. Nothing to do with efficiency. Its much More Important how efficient you drove in EV Mode ?
It will be around 30 kWh and Even higher. Thats way to inefficant compaird to a Model X
Most People thinking „i just have to drive electrical in my 2,5 t SUV and then i will Save the world,
Redicular!!!!
@@visionmodernclassics3062 I didn´t mean the efficiency. You have misunderstood me. I wanted to highlight how much pure electric driving is possible for a Plug-in-hybrid. By the way, a Tesla Model X won´t save the world either.
@@drbiermann I just mentioned a the Model X because its compairable to an X5. And i totally agree with you. A Model X wont safe our planet either.
But people have to realize that we cannot overcome physical rules even with modern cars. 2,5 t, packaged as a „sporty“ and „lifestyle“ SUV cannot be moved as efficient as typical sedan, which offers respectly more space for its passengers than a SUV. But this argument its too rational... we buy...oh noo we rent (what...how dare you to use the verb „to rent“, we are leasing cars) according to their image. We have to show to our nightbours and to the world how adventurous we could be if we had only the courage to go outside and enjoy nature....but this would mean we have to move our bodies with our own muscles...puhhh thats too exhausting so we might sweat. Better we support our sons and daughters to be part of the fridays for future protests...oh look there is my daughter walking in that crowd. She is part of the movement which complains without providing solutions or point out how our lifestyle can be changed to environmentally friendly behaviour. Oh damm im so proud of her. And Look how the media reports in such postive way about this movement, unbelievable how objectiv our media is!!!
And last we dont have to forget that PHEV and BEV are only competitive due to high governental subsidies and tax reductions. Its rediculous that the goverment support a certain technology. Subsidies should be grant Independently from the Technology. The market will creat the most efficient mobility solutions not the Lobby Industry.
Maybe i will experience this in my next life who knows
13:22 BMW certainly have tested the cold motor to maximum load, since they want to fulfill their legacy of repairing broken engines.
Great to see a real world review from 9K miles of use. Way too many one day or a few days experience in their reviews. Well done Harry.
This has been a great video review series, Harry. So good in fact, I have a few friends who have bought them as a result of your review - just a pity you won't be buying one (did you negotiate a £20k retainer plus sell on commission - LOL!). Would you reconsider if they brought out a farmers-edition (no side skirt, plus it stay's up when you push the ride height button), over what appears to be the farming-superior new Defender? Good Luck!
0,16cents per kWh.... If I were living in 🇬🇧 and not in Germany, I would buy this car. Its marvealously cheap on electric, especially with the price for electricity in GB. Great review, Harry. As always informative and a pleasure to watch. Thank you very much. Looking forward for next sunday.
Hi, Günther! Our electricity may seem cheap compared to Germany's, but I think perhaps other costs might make this car an expensive purchase. Insurance premiums in particular can be terrifying! :-)
I just don't get it. If it's no good off road then surely a refined estate/large hatch would crush it for mpg. While matching practicality and usability. From an eco pov large hatch/estate would also require fewer materials to build. An even better eco choice is buying a car already made over buying new.
I'm not conformable the governments are encouraging the car builders down the right route. But we've seen that before... Diesels.
They should have pushed LPG, it is very low emissions wise. I don't get how any of these heavy, aerodynamically bad, suvs that have been made even heavier by the hybrid side of things can even qualify as "green". It's insane.
You seriously think people buy SUV 4x4’s to off-road??. They buy them for the space and ride height. An estate/hatch can’t match a large SUV for those
@@IverKnackerov an e class wagon has more space than an x5 inside and drives better
ride height doesn't mean much when you have shitty sidewalls on tires too
How old are you? 15-teen?
I think the 5 or 7 series makes much more sense. I'll take a 745e thanks in long wheelbase on a long term test.
Incredible in depth review. Helped me decide here in the usa. Thanks
Great video Harry.
I’m on my second Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, it would benefit from a bigger battery 16 miles realistically going up and down Pennines hills.
Having said that, I sometimes (in spring /summer/autumn go 3 months without filling up (costs about £43:00 to fill)
Using all the heated gizmos in winter screen/wheel/seats/rear screen/electric pre heater hammers the battery as you would expect.
Having said that, 5 hours to charge on a 3 pin plug at home, or on the rare time I charge it at a fast charger, it’s got a fast charge socket.
It’s a great car for working locally, but as a repmobile, buy diesel.
I’m with you Harry, PHEV for the foreseeable.
P.S. if everything is going to be electric cars, where is the generating power going to come from?
Had one for a overnight test drive.
An epic piece kit. I'd might even call this a class leader in these big suv plug-ins.
I love the look of this and the interior. But indeed it feels enormous.
Super easy to forget your keys with this car. Opens and closes locks and boot automatically.
Best wishes from Germany to you ❤️🚗🚜❤️
Best car I have ever owned, great video Harry, agree with all you have said including the "cheap buttons" to change the drive mode. Love the V6 so much better than the 4 cylinder
Actually....it has an I-6 ;-)
Always a great review.
Harry, best car I ever bought. Totally agree with your review. Don’t forget although slow to charge, whilst engine is running and whenever you brake there is battery charging going on - albeit slow. BMW NAV & Infotainment paired with I-drive is simply in a class of its own. Pure refinement and a perfect long distance car for the family. Also experienced remote BMW support which was excellent in helping problem solve so I could continue my journey without having to go to a dealer. Highly highly addictive.
My eleven-year-old Nissan Note averages 54mpg, granted it's not as fast and maybe a little less refined ;) but then it cost eight hundred quid so there's that.
That’s like comparing, a horse cart and a bullet train 😄 both will get you from A to B though 👍
And my 17yo Nissan Maxima 3.0 automatic averages 33mpg, which I think is fairly good for such a large car.
A reliant robin will do 70+mpg
Just need to sacrifice all and any refinement to do so
@@carmadme Lovely jubbly.
Fair play you have some guts for admitting you own a Note.
I have had this car for a year and love. One area of concern is it’s width on U.K. roads. Fine on motorways but on country lanes or town road it leaves me nervous. I wish there was a net in the boot where there is a recess, this to provide a means of holding shopping bags in place. Final point, the adaptive LED headlights provide under full beam a moving spotlight which I do not like. The lazer headlights are very good but cost a further £2000. Final comment, in a year with COVID the vehicle gas covered 7500 miles and will very soon need the front tyres replacing, a rather short life.
Love the videos. Your model 3 pushed my dad into the world of EV cars. Had our test drive yesterday and the whole family loved it and we put an order in :)
Brilliant video!
I currently have a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. I _absolutely_ love it. I get about 23 miles EV range in winter and about 30 in summer. The BMW is definitely my next car.
Whilst an average of 25 miles EV range is fine (my commute is only 14 miles per day) I could do with a tad more for weekends.
Another great review Harry - must watch for anyone looking at this car as an option. The ~50 mile EV range always interested me but what I never realised is the so slow charging - weird! So the bug question is what is Harry gonna buy? New Hybrid Defender or keep the trusty Range Rover?
Great series of videos on this car. I'm getting ready to order one and your review really sealed the deal for me on ordering the hybrid rather than the pure petrol version. The $9k in rebates and tax credits in California for the hybrid helped with the decision also.
I think you're quite right. Imagine what this car would be like with a 3.0 250bhp ish diesel. 800 mile range, and easily 60-70mpg. And still under 7 seconds to 60mph
Really enjoy Harry’s Garage . Always informative without any gimmicks .
We have just had ours delivered to our house.
We absolutely love it
Great content as usual Harry! Would be interested in the comparison between this and the 545e. If the lower drag coefficient and slightly less weight makes any difference to the mpg, but I do have a suspicion that it isn’t exactly the same system due to the space available between platforms.
After watching your video on the X5 45e PHEV and doing some research of the competition, I’m about ready to buy one, it’s a 2020 model high spec and covered 7,500 mile.
Seeing the tests and statistics you’ve given and your honest opinion,what more can we want. Keep the reviews coming and I’ll keep watch…..thanks again.
And how has your experience been until now?👌🏼
@@MRMV483 Had the car for almost a month…. We like it very much, and its only used half a tank of petrol the pre heater is awesome in this weather.
I hate modern "smart" keys, especially the huge, car-shaped ones that are more of an announcement for the valet than something to fit comfortably in your pocket. Why can't they go back to modestly-sized keys of only a few years ago? (Or use your phone like a Tesla)
I would definitely stick with a normal key. I'd almost go as far as saying I wouldn't buy a car that used my phone to get in. For starters, once you know which button is which, you know exactly which button to press even if the key is in your pocket. Secondly modern phones tend to run out of batteries quicker than EVs. What happens then? Car makers seem determined to provide solutions to problems that don't exist. See HVAC controls or volume dials buried in touchscreen menus!
@@acemcgraw1 well Tesla lets you use a regular key
Great Review - comprehensive, straight forward, honest - plus as always, entertaining!
Let Mercedes-Benz give you the GLE 350 de in Farmer's Spec (19"-wheels, Airmatic, no running boards) as a long-term test car.
Mercedes are dreadful cars
@@andrewcbartlett no worse than bmw or audi
I very nearly bought this car a year ago when the PCP on my X5 3.0 diesel was up. I dodged it for 2 reasons, both around charging - exactly as Harry mentions re the tortoise performance on charging up and, as applies to every EV or PHEV, the still woeful lack of infrastructure in the UK. Great review Harry as usual.
I’m curious to watch Mercedes GLE350 or GLE350d phev review.
Thank you, you gave all the right information regarding a long term review
The run flat tires that came on my 2003 Mini Cooper have turned me off from one run flats for the rest of my life. They were loud, hard, and ridiculously expensive.
There’s been two generations of run flats since then, they’re much better now!
@@BHBeckenbauer But they're still hideously expensive.
Just came across this video after researching this car for a while. Currently have 2007 Lexus RX 400h. 165k miles. Great car but wanting to try something new. Not ready for Tesla. SUPER helpful review. Looks like a very good car. Thank you!
I love that observation "Germany hasn't got enough power station capacity to allow fast charging". It's something that will hit us at some stage... I really want to support the all electric era but it's ambitions are all over the place. Supplying electricity is going to be at the hands of the commercial market, can you imagine how much it's going to cost at a motorway services for example? I also agree with Harry and other comments, putting high demands on a cold engine can't be good.
Even worse, the now tax-free EV will be higly charged with taxes when EV get a reasonably market share. It's that simple: the government gets the money where it can get it. When petrol sales go back, they get taxes elsewhere.
This statement about the German power capacity is wrong. There are regulations against single-phase charging over 20 amps or 4.6 kW (20A@230V). Charging has to be three-phase above that, but then you can get 11 kW at home, even 22 kW, but that has to be approved by your local power company first. European power grids are three-phase and the three phases need to be as close to symmetrically in use as possible to avoid the power grid transformers to see an unbalanced load (one coil getting a lot hotter than the other two). If you have more and more cars go electric and they all high-power charge on phase one, it will make the grid go down. The charger in the Range Rovers, I-Pace and so on are old and outdated designs from a one-charger-fits-all-markets point of view for cost cutting. Most EVs sold in Europe are now being upgraded to 11 kW three-phase to mitigate that. BMW could install an 11 kW charger in the X5 and the charging rate would then outperform the Range Rover. They just don't want to, because they still use the five year old charger in that car that they had in all the previous BMW PHEVs. Next generation will be 11 kW for sure to be competitive. And this is not specific to Germany. Your British power grid is also three-phase, you just have a lot more older grids in rural areas that are only supplied single-phase. You would also profit from three-phase chargers in the cars.
He happens to be wrong about Germany's capacity.
@@ted_maul That is a nice short version of what I just wrote :-D
@@jan-hendrikbussmann4644 very interesting and informative reply....thanks.
We’ve had an Audi A3 etron for nearly 6 years and I’m always impressed by the petrol motor when in starts up. Always a smooth transition.
Great video Harry! Considering a 320d vs 330e (Touring) this year. Do you think despite not having any bik claim available, would the residuals and similar tech and potential low running costs to the X5, make the 330e a good pick even with the premium?
Great real world review, shocked by how much electric mileage ratio you were able to pull off
Harry I live in the states and BMW’s lane departure sucks on the interstate
I live in Germany where whe have the Autobahn and I have to say your Interstates suck- and many of the people who use it. Sorry, nothing to do with you (since you are obviously interested in cars and driving) but you need propper driving education over there.
@@bertbertson23 No one over here will disagree with you, Bert.
The highway in the US suck
This great review by Harry was one of the reasons we ordered a 45e earlier this year. It arrived in June, and we’ve been delighted with it ever since. The boot is big enough for 2 large dogs, the front seats are tremendously comfortable and the refinement is top notch. And personally I think it’s a very handsome vehicle.
On the downside, the air suspension isn’t quite as fluent around town as I’d hoped, while the charging speed is glacial.
We knew most of our journeys were going to be relative short, and in that role the economy has been exceptional for such a large and luxurious car, IF you keep it charged. If you can’t charge it regularly - and for most of September we couldn’t, because it caused power cuts at our new home (we live in Valencia) - the picture is less rosy. That problem is now fixed, and the joy/relief of having battery power once more is immense. Driving purely on combustion power dropped economy into the high 20s, which was understandable but expensive and annoying.
Putting that aside, however, here are two sample trips:
Madrid to Segovia and back: temperature 39C, 170 km (about 106 miles),90% of which was on A and B roads, with a total of around 7500 ft of climbing/descending; 60mpg and 100% of battery power used.
Madrid to Valencia: temperature 37C; 375 km (about 230 miles), of which 220 miles were motorway cruising at 70-75mph; descent of a little under 2000 ft over the course of the journey; car loaded up to the proverbial gunwales plus a large roof box and a rear bike rack carrying two 27kg e-bikes; 39mpg and 100% of battery power used.
The return trip to Madrid: empty car, no bike rack but with an empty roof box on the top; 33mpg. So the roof box and the return to the altitude of Madrid seem to have played their part in increasing the fuel consumption.
Make of all that what you will!
*Sorry, three sample trips.
Thanks for the detailed comment. We now have a PHEV Range Rover and the faster charging makes a huge difference, despite the battery only being half the size as the one in the X5. The BMW has the better drivetrain of the two but we're getting more pure EV miles from the RR, purely because it charges 3x faster than the X5 (we don't do many long trips)
Your elecric calcs are out - the kWs the car reports is what it has used and not how much is needed to charge it. Charging has losses and is not 100% efficient.
That may be true, however having owned this car for a year and monitored the petrol and electricity consumption it has saved reduced my running costs significantly over the previous X5 which was a diesel.