I was crawling along in rush hour freeway traffic when the temperature topped 90 degrees. But I didnt care. I was surrounded by the finest luxury features, listening to a dynamite stereo system, and not even wasting any gas because I was driving a plug-in hybrid 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e.
But my smugness couldnt last forever, however. On a full charge, the midsize crossover only gets around 20 miles on electricity alone before switching over to a conventional hybrid mode because of its weight and standard full-time AWD system. And with the industrial grade air conditioner working, the electric-only mileage is even less.
Fortunately for those concerned about saving the world, I hit the exit ramp to my house with a few miles to spare and was able to plug the BMW in for a recharge before the gas portion of the gas/electric hybrid system kicked in. In other words, I was able to complete some work and errands without using any gas, but could have driven much further in relatively economically hybrid mode if necessary which is one benefit of the growing number of plug-in hybrid vehicles.
In the crazy world of increasing federally-mandated fuel economy standards, more and more manufacturers are debuting all-electric or electric-assisted vehicles to comply with the ever higher goals. Hardly anyone is buying them because gas (and diesel) prices are currently so low, the premium to pay for the batteries and other advanced technologies dont pencil out.
But, as the 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e proves, many if not all of these environmentally conscious vehicles are just as good, if not better, than their gas-only equivalents. You can fight climate change without sacrificing anything, except for the higher price to support the battery and related component development.
BMW fans will have little trouble understanding this equation. The X5 is the companys acclaimed midsize crossover, which the company calls a Sport Activity Vehicle, but which everyone else calls an SUV. It can carry five passengers and their luggage in luxury. The plug-in hybrid version mates and electric motor to a turbocharge 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine. The combination is both both fast and relatively fuel efficient. It is rated at 56 MPGe and a maximum combined 308 horsepower.
The downside is that the 20 miles (or less) on a full charge is low compared to other plug-in hybrids, some of which are pushing 40 miles of all-electric power. But most are smaller vehicles that do not offer AWD and such a high degree of luxury or the performance of the X5 xDrive40e, which is exhilarating whenever the pedal is pushed. So much for the concept of boring green vehicles.
At the same time, the lithium ion battery pack reduces the available cargo space behind the rear seats by raising the floor substantially. That shortcoming is somewhat reduced by the high lift required to put anything back there in the first place, however.
This being a BMW, there are multiple drive modes to choose from, both for how often the electric motor drives the vehicle to the throttle response and suspension settings. Drivers can run it on all-electricity, a modified hybrid system, or save some electricity until it makes more sense, like for around town driving. And the set up can be adjusted from Comfort to Sport, although the Sport setting prevents it from running only on electricity.
However its dialed in, the BMW X5 xDrive40e provides a solid, comfortable ride to all occupants, including up to the three adults in the ample back seat. The driver is especially well treated, of course, with all controls easy to understand, reach and use in keeping with the companys Ultimate Driving Machine slogan.
In a week of mixed driving, our X5 xDrive40e was never less than a joy to drive, whether in all-electric or conventional hybrid mode. The shift between the two was flawless, with only the loss of three of the four charge bars on the dash to signal it. Acceleration was impressive in all modes, whether merging into freeway traffic or passing slower vehicles on steep hills. And the suspension effectively suppressed all but the most severe road imperfections, delivering a smooth ride under all circumstances.
In some respects, the X5 xDrive40e is a bit of an experiment for BMW. The company has announced that it intends to offer plug-in hybrid versions of many of its vehicles, starting with this years version of its midsize SUV. Smaller ones should get be able to go farther on electricity alone, requiring somewhat less trip planning for those most committed to stopping global warming. But as an introduction, the electrified version of the X5 xDrive shows BMW is on the right track.
2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e
Base price: $62,100
Price as tested: $74,995
Type: Midsize SUV
Drivetrain: Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4 and electric motor (308 hp, 332 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 8-speed STEPTRONIC transmission
EPA estimated mileage: 56 MPGe/24 MPG
Overall length: 192.4 inches
Curb weight: 5,220 pounds
Final assembly: Spartanburg, South Carolina