BMW X5 45e 10,000 mile review. Why PHEV beats EV for our family car

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  • Опубликовано: 27 фев 2021
  • This BMW X5 45e arrived at HG 6 months ago and we've now done nearly 10k miles in it. This video explains what we've learnt about running a plugin hybrid after living with a pure electric car during the previous 12 months.
    This video was created with the support of:
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Комментарии • 1,2 тыс.

  • @lemonq6418
    @lemonq6418 3 года назад +141

    I just like to hear him talk.

    • @jonathansmythe6273
      @jonathansmythe6273 3 года назад +4

      agree. And Iain Tyrrell

    • @stevep2710
      @stevep2710 3 года назад +2

      Agreed

    • @GenaF
      @GenaF 3 года назад +5

      I would love Harry to be a reader of audio books

    • @Robert-um2vb
      @Robert-um2vb 3 года назад

      ...and fell asleep. 😉

  • @kk.7177
    @kk.7177 3 года назад +253

    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!

    • @LMcars
      @LMcars 3 года назад +31

      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
      @radoslavdimitrov1101 3 года назад +15

      ... it looks like you guys are better engineers than the team BMW has 🥴 just saying... don’t go ballistic on me now 😃

    • @LMcars
      @LMcars 3 года назад +13

      ​@@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 :)

    • @werbinich7908
      @werbinich7908 3 года назад +11

      @@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

    • @LMcars
      @LMcars 3 года назад +4

      @@werbinich7908 interesting to know! Thanks :)

  • @DouglasChrystall
    @DouglasChrystall 3 года назад +71

    Word of the day “ACE”, just like this channel.

  • @johnohare992
    @johnohare992 3 года назад +455

    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.

    • @simonyapp
      @simonyapp 3 года назад +6

      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!)

    • @AccountantsRCool
      @AccountantsRCool 3 года назад +85

      @@simonyapp I think you may have missed the joke.

    • @ipadhome5549
      @ipadhome5549 3 года назад +9

      Whoosh!

    • @jonathansmythe6273
      @jonathansmythe6273 3 года назад +11

      400v that'l spice things up. vision of thick orange cables, snaking under duvet.

    • @cyborg7116
      @cyborg7116 3 года назад +14

      and I wouldn't worry about the resale value - I don't think there's much of a market for 2nd hand electric toys....

  • @Kelveron
    @Kelveron 3 года назад +193

    Very useful real world experience on the use of a PHEV. Top clip, as usual, Harry.

    • @mrmartin2079
      @mrmartin2079 3 года назад

      Absolutely

    • @julianevans9548
      @julianevans9548 3 года назад +1

      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.

    • @WascalSpiwit
      @WascalSpiwit 3 года назад +7

      @@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.

    • @julianevans9548
      @julianevans9548 3 года назад +1

      @@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.

    • @Magnitio1
      @Magnitio1 3 года назад +2

      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.

  • @jan-hendrikbussmann4644
    @jan-hendrikbussmann4644 3 года назад +54

    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.

    • @radoslavdimitrov1101
      @radoslavdimitrov1101 3 года назад +3

      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.

    • @jan-hendrikbussmann4644
      @jan-hendrikbussmann4644 3 года назад +2

      @@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.

    • @paredding
      @paredding 3 года назад +1

      @@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.

    • @jan-hendrikbussmann4644
      @jan-hendrikbussmann4644 3 года назад +6

      @@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.

    • @paredding
      @paredding 3 года назад

      @@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 ;-)

  • @beezcov10
    @beezcov10 3 года назад

    Really enjoy Harry’s Garage . Always informative without any gimmicks .

  • @flippy9133
    @flippy9133 2 года назад +18

    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

  • @richardhale2117
    @richardhale2117 3 года назад +13

    Harry, this complete series of reviews has been terrific. I now know more about this car than many owners!

  • @GlobetrotterZ8
    @GlobetrotterZ8 3 года назад +34

    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.

  • @RickCT2000
    @RickCT2000 3 года назад +2

    Great Review - comprehensive, straight forward, honest - plus as always, entertaining!

  • @paultaylor9652
    @paultaylor9652 3 года назад

    Lovely Jubbly, always a pleasure to watch Harry's videos

  • @33196092
    @33196092 3 года назад +11

    Brilliant video. Thank you. I was thinking to buy one and now, the decision is made. I will buy it.

  • @benhill2454
    @benhill2454 3 года назад +5

    The key looks like a solution looking for a problem. Great review.

  • @samcarter5576
    @samcarter5576 Год назад +1

    I know this video is a year old now but I really want one of these. Love your detailed review in both videos. Thankyou

  • @jeffreywong6842
    @jeffreywong6842 3 года назад +2

    Awesome! My 45e is scheduled for production mid-April, can't wait!

  • @larryhazlett1752
    @larryhazlett1752 3 года назад +6

    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.

  • @OC92
    @OC92 3 года назад +7

    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!

  • @joetacchino4470
    @joetacchino4470 3 года назад +43

    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.

    • @alexwells4364
      @alexwells4364 3 года назад

      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".

    • @deviantrider9309
      @deviantrider9309 3 года назад +11

      @@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

  • @richardcelestre6299
    @richardcelestre6299 3 года назад +2

    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.

  • @phillippearl647
    @phillippearl647 3 года назад +28

    I love your reviews. They feel so honest and real.

  • @TheophilusPWildbeest
    @TheophilusPWildbeest 3 года назад +65

    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.

    • @matthewlewis2072
      @matthewlewis2072 3 года назад

      Could you have hone fully electric?

    • @TheophilusPWildbeest
      @TheophilusPWildbeest 3 года назад +5

      @@matthewlewis2072 With hindsight yes, but I was expecting to do more distance journeys this past year, and they didn't happen.

    • @paulmcgee1867
      @paulmcgee1867 3 года назад

      Yes, I was sure that was a better choice

    • @Gdank72
      @Gdank72 2 года назад +1

      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.

    • @TheophilusPWildbeest
      @TheophilusPWildbeest 2 года назад +3

      @@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.

  • @mikemittel2691
    @mikemittel2691 2 года назад

    Fantastic review. Thank you Harry...... Merry Christmas!🎄

  • @jonshepard85
    @jonshepard85 3 года назад

    Harry, I love your reviews. Spot on. The Taycan review, for example, and your advice to wait a few years, if I recall, re range. This M545 review caught my attention, I knew not of this car. Now I do. Given supply issues, it's hard to come by or even test drive, but I am exploring. Grateful.

  • @KSL12
    @KSL12 3 года назад +10

    Always a great review.

  • @johnmeyer457
    @johnmeyer457 3 года назад +49

    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.

    • @BeingMe23
      @BeingMe23 3 года назад +1

      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.

    • @aston-martin-internationalist
      @aston-martin-internationalist 3 года назад +1

      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).

    • @peterinfamilyguy
      @peterinfamilyguy 3 года назад +1

      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.

    • @marcob1729
      @marcob1729 3 года назад +1

      I hardly consider the RAV 4 as a rich person's car or one that's expensive to maintain

    • @sergueikoaloff4919
      @sergueikoaloff4919 3 года назад +1

      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.

  • @andrewivory-corr4714
    @andrewivory-corr4714 3 года назад

    Another straight talking, no nonsense review. Really enjoy the channel, keep them coming 👍

  • @dasautogt
    @dasautogt 3 года назад +1

    Thank you Harry, great insight into the vehicle /PHEV.👍

  • @peterball8241
    @peterball8241 3 года назад +11

    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.

  • @bigprocrastinator
    @bigprocrastinator 3 года назад +30

    Harry's praises and quibbles hold value. The best car reviewer on YT

  • @Tk-vn3yw
    @Tk-vn3yw 3 года назад +2

    Thank you, you gave all the right information regarding a long term review

  • @arthuracorn
    @arthuracorn 2 года назад +1

    That’s the first look at something hybrid and real world useable .
    Very informative Harry.

  • @jasonlongley3537
    @jasonlongley3537 3 года назад +11

    Thanks Harry. You’ve convinced me. Mine arrives in May.

    • @Onehotdogplease1
      @Onehotdogplease1 3 года назад

      I was supposed to get mine in January - but it's delayed until April...

  • @Udesha
    @Udesha 3 года назад +4

    Top review Harry. I bought one based on your initial review.

  • @samsonchan1488
    @samsonchan1488 3 года назад

    Nice review! Covered topics no other reviewers covered. Keep up the good work!

  • @cwmitch2
    @cwmitch2 3 года назад

    As ever a very informative and enjoyable watch. Cheers Colin.

  • @stranobikes
    @stranobikes 3 года назад +64

    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.

    • @harrysgarage
      @harrysgarage  3 года назад +38

      Not just me then!

    • @andrewhurstcars
      @andrewhurstcars 3 года назад +8

      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.

    • @lastlondon
      @lastlondon 3 года назад +15

      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

    • @Ponykotze
      @Ponykotze 3 года назад +1

      Indeed. Had the same thoughts on my i8 too. Freezing cold turbo engine revving to 7000 rpm from spot on when overtaking.

    • @vyrnmn
      @vyrnmn 3 года назад +3

      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

  • @ivannarvaez367
    @ivannarvaez367 3 года назад +57

    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
      @sharisees 3 года назад

      Do you recommend buying a used 2018 x5 40e with the 4 cylinder engine, or find one with the 6 cylinder?

    • @ivannarvaez367
      @ivannarvaez367 3 года назад +1

      @@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.

    • @patdonnellan1024
      @patdonnellan1024 2 года назад +1

      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

  • @SerDionysus
    @SerDionysus 3 года назад +2

    Pick mine up Wednesday, can't wait!

  • @sj257257
    @sj257257 3 года назад

    Been very helpful seeing your thought. It looks like it makes a lot of sense over my current RR Sport. But mine does go off road around farms (shooting pest control) and this what holds me back. Great review.

  • @colinpoyzer7479
    @colinpoyzer7479 3 года назад +8

    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%.

  • @davidgrover2665
    @davidgrover2665 3 года назад +5

    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?

  • @MattP168
    @MattP168 3 года назад

    Great review as always
    Looking forward to mine arriving Wednesday 👍

  • @vladserbanescu5394
    @vladserbanescu5394 3 года назад

    Very very useful video! Really enjoyed watching it and gathering all this info. Thank you, Harry! :)

  • @TraditionArt
    @TraditionArt 3 года назад +10

    Best wishes from Germany to you ❤️🚗🚜❤️

  • @MichaelGorman1
    @MichaelGorman1 3 года назад +4

    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.

    • @harrysgarage
      @harrysgarage  3 года назад

      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!

  • @andrewfoster1535
    @andrewfoster1535 3 года назад +2

    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
      @MinhNguyen-tz8ti 2 года назад

      How is your car right now? Do you like it? I already ordered one , still waiting for delivery ( September/22)

    • @andrewfoster1535
      @andrewfoster1535 2 года назад

      @@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.

    • @MinhNguyen-tz8ti
      @MinhNguyen-tz8ti 2 года назад

      @@andrewfoster1535 thank you

  • @asdfjklasdfjkl1988
    @asdfjklasdfjkl1988 Год назад +1

    Incredible in depth review. Helped me decide here in the usa. Thanks

  • @radoslavdimitrov1101
    @radoslavdimitrov1101 3 года назад +6

    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 🙏

    • @brianbgood
      @brianbgood 2 года назад

      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?

    • @radoslavdimitrov1101
      @radoslavdimitrov1101 2 года назад

      @@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 👍

  • @IanRMcAllister
    @IanRMcAllister 3 года назад +7

    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!

  • @markburton3306
    @markburton3306 3 года назад

    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.

  • @NS-pt9rr
    @NS-pt9rr 3 года назад

    Excellent view, Harry

  • @kevinbarry71
    @kevinbarry71 3 года назад +17

    "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.

    • @jsleeio
      @jsleeio 3 года назад

      indeed. having owned multiple BMW bikes I can only agree

    • @z00h
      @z00h 3 года назад +3

      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.

  • @louiskingable
    @louiskingable 3 года назад +3

    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.

  • @thomascole9308
    @thomascole9308 3 года назад

    Another superb video. Thanks Harry.

  • @RobS32
    @RobS32 3 года назад

    Another honest cracking vid. Thanks H. 👍

  • @shoeyh5169
    @shoeyh5169 3 года назад +109

    Harry, they dropped the 'smart key' recently, only comes with 2 conventional keys now

    • @atom999
      @atom999 3 года назад +5

      Does it not come with the conventional keys anyway and the pointless key is a paid option? Was for my x3

    • @jost4786
      @jost4786 3 года назад

      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.

    • @duncanidaho7494
      @duncanidaho7494 3 года назад +4

      The smart key was rubbish indeed. Glad they got rid of it

    • @badgastein2
      @badgastein2 3 года назад

      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.

    • @Horizon301.
      @Horizon301. 2 года назад

      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.

  • @DctorSkillz1
    @DctorSkillz1 3 года назад +10

    I wish Harry could review more mainstream cars. His honesty and experience is supremely informative. Keep it up!

    • @siraff4461
      @siraff4461 3 года назад +2

      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.

    • @ssj9871
      @ssj9871 3 года назад

      I don't

  • @isaid5098
    @isaid5098 2 года назад

    Great review and as always a class performance. To the point and we’ll delivered 👍👍👍

  • @burrogrande
    @burrogrande 3 года назад

    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.

  • @EnarcMail
    @EnarcMail 3 года назад +7

    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!!

    • @cagdasonar4610
      @cagdasonar4610 6 месяцев назад

      How to use the Modes the best? I Whoud say town Full elektric on normal road where i Drive 100kmh Sport?

  • @MrMarkusmonkey
    @MrMarkusmonkey 3 года назад +11

    Harry you are so passionate about 4 and 2 wheels, a true petrol head! My 1977 cb400f is my addiction in life ❤

    • @elitesniper923
      @elitesniper923 3 года назад +2

      Aye as a 1977 cb550f owner please take take of her. These old Hondas are getting rarer by the day.

  • @ben.aka.bigben
    @ben.aka.bigben Год назад

    Very detailed and well managed review. Thank you sir!

  • @jamesavickers5961
    @jamesavickers5961 3 года назад

    Excellent information and interesting thank you so much harry

  • @colinbarber1957
    @colinbarber1957 3 года назад +4

    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?

  • @Starfighter2000.
    @Starfighter2000. 3 года назад +11

    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.

    • @brianbgood
      @brianbgood 2 года назад

      I’m about to drive across the country to get one. Any issues with yours yet?

  • @ionperpegel4963
    @ionperpegel4963 3 года назад

    Bought one of these due to your reviews and I am happy. Thanks.

  • @chrishayes4785
    @chrishayes4785 Год назад

    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.

  • @davey_projects2977
    @davey_projects2977 3 года назад +4

    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.

    • @ColinMill1
      @ColinMill1 3 года назад +2

      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.

  • @jameswilliamson4508
    @jameswilliamson4508 3 года назад +13

    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.

  • @arezourose1
    @arezourose1 3 года назад

    We have just had ours delivered to our house.
    We absolutely love it

  • @daraghmorrissey
    @daraghmorrissey 3 года назад +1

    Great video and I've always liked the X5. Last one I drove had Apple Airplay - which worked great as a touch screen if you dont like iDrive. Good to know about the door sill. Most of these will be Chelsea tractors - but the doors get dirty even if you don't use it on a farm.

  • @harry-eto
    @harry-eto 3 года назад +8

    13:22 BMW certainly have tested the cold motor to maximum load, since they want to fulfill their legacy of repairing broken engines.

  • @meestermeesterhastings.3159
    @meestermeesterhastings.3159 3 года назад +39

    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...

    • @marcob1729
      @marcob1729 3 года назад +3

      Give the people what they want, Harry

    • @UpTheAnte1987
      @UpTheAnte1987 3 года назад +1

      Harry doesn't even know what an Alpaca is when he's got his car hat on 😉

    • @meestermeesterhastings.3159
      @meestermeesterhastings.3159 3 года назад +1

      @@marcob1729 Ignore the people and Clarkson will flood his farm with Alpaca mark my word.

  • @MaxNeal-tl9bd
    @MaxNeal-tl9bd 3 года назад +1

    Great video, Harry.

  • @hongkongfuey6882
    @hongkongfuey6882 3 года назад +1

    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.

  • @stephenmorrish
    @stephenmorrish 3 года назад +37

    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.

    • @radoslavdimitrov1101
      @radoslavdimitrov1101 3 года назад +8

      That’s like comparing, a horse cart and a bullet train 😄 both will get you from A to B though 👍

    • @vibingwithvinyl
      @vibingwithvinyl 3 года назад +2

      And my 17yo Nissan Maxima 3.0 automatic averages 33mpg, which I think is fairly good for such a large car.

    • @carmadme
      @carmadme 3 года назад +13

      A reliant robin will do 70+mpg
      Just need to sacrifice all and any refinement to do so

    • @__PHIL__
      @__PHIL__ 3 года назад +3

      @@carmadme Lovely jubbly.

    • @siraff4461
      @siraff4461 3 года назад +10

      Fair play you have some guts for admitting you own a Note.

  • @leenevin8451
    @leenevin8451 3 года назад +25

    2:06 normal tyres improve every aspect of the cars - you should do a video on it

    • @henrik1743
      @henrik1743 3 года назад +2

      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.

  • @edwinjones7307
    @edwinjones7307 2 года назад

    I enjoyed the video and the presentation.Thank you.

  • @richardburke952
    @richardburke952 Год назад

    What a Fantastic review... So glad I found this channel and I enjoyed your commentary.. Much better than other car review presenters Brilliant I subscribed and Liked :)

  • @markoneill2819
    @markoneill2819 3 года назад +3

    I love the fact that you spent your own money on a boot protector for a loan car. Classy.

    • @mansaslund
      @mansaslund 3 года назад

      it's 10 pounds dude...

  • @tiguanman1170
    @tiguanman1170 3 года назад +7

    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.

  • @Pgjermstad
    @Pgjermstad 3 года назад

    Great review! Can´t wait to collect my 45e this summer. I have the 40e now and have 3 disklikes: range, engine and charge rate. The 45e solves the first two.The charge rate is not that big of an issue for me, but it would be nice to have at least 7KW. Sorry to see your 45e go since you´ve had the best RUclips reviews on this car.

  • @graememcburnie9601
    @graememcburnie9601 3 года назад

    Another great video Harry👌. I currently have an X3 40d g01 and have been looking forward to the updates on the 45e. Honestly think this will be our next car.

  • @tonymcgurk5411
    @tonymcgurk5411 3 года назад +17

    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

    • @magnetoone2995
      @magnetoone2995 3 года назад

      Jerkin the gurkin 😄

    • @Beija101
      @Beija101 3 года назад

      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.

  • @blankblank124
    @blankblank124 3 года назад +69

    The first thing that springs to my mind when seeing one on the road is unmarked copper

  • @ukcarver
    @ukcarver 3 года назад

    Wonderful review of what seems to be a great car.

  • @parish2091
    @parish2091 3 года назад

    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.

  • @tonydonnelly2762
    @tonydonnelly2762 3 года назад +4

    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

    • @dragosxtc1901
      @dragosxtc1901 2 года назад

      Why replace the m50d? What was wrong with it?

  • @mar91169
    @mar91169 3 года назад +10

    Given thumbs up already, Harry is the best on cars on You Tube!

    • @filipborin555
      @filipborin555 3 года назад +1

      The replacement of the old Top Gear from the early to.late 00s.

  • @mz2288
    @mz2288 3 года назад

    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.

  • @CarsofGlasgow
    @CarsofGlasgow 3 года назад +1

    Great video Harry! I really like the X5

  • @richardh3587
    @richardh3587 3 года назад +5

    Totally agree on idrive. It’s the only system that I prefer using to carplay

  • @havfunonline
    @havfunonline 3 года назад +5

    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

  • @rossfripp4503
    @rossfripp4503 3 года назад

    Another great video, as usual!

  • @hedydd2
    @hedydd2 3 года назад

    I agree with you about lane keep assist and include stop/start. They both default to 'on' at every cold start. The LKA is switched off in the same way on my Kia but the button is on the steering wheel and when 'on' it toggles between auto-steering and LKA by short pressing.

  • @pride355
    @pride355 3 года назад +6

    I’m curious to watch Mercedes GLE350 or GLE350d phev review.

  • @cblandblueyonder
    @cblandblueyonder Год назад +4

    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…

  • @beverleyalberola3619
    @beverleyalberola3619 2 года назад

    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!

  • @mattiparviainen607
    @mattiparviainen607 3 года назад

    Another great video. Thanks !