Like the sedans of the company, the BMW X5 is one of the crossovers that handle like sports cars. The X5 comes with a 300-HP turbocharged inline-six as a standard and a 445-HP twin-turbo V-8 and a 255-HP turbodiesel inline as optional, along with a 308 HP electric motor that gives a maximum of 14 miles on a full charge. But all this, obviously, comes with a price tag.
The X5 is a pretty good option if you are looking for greener SUVs or crossover, but then again, the electric only mileage is not really great. There is an Auto eDrive mode, which conveniently switches between the electric and the gas mode. But then again, it maxes out around 21 miles per gallon, which is actually lower than expected. The presence of the electric motor itself is a neat feature, but while driving on a daily basis, it becomes irrelevant. Also, the mileage that you get on a single charge means that you will have to plug in more frequently.
The hybrid setup is very conventional. A 2 liter turbocharged inline-four is paired with an 111-HPelectric motor and an eight-speed automatic. A 240 horsepower engine, when paired with the electric gives around 308 HP, which is close enough to the X5 35i. However, an electric motor means a heavy battery that reduces the 0 to 60 mph time by 0.2 seconds.
![BMW X5]()
BMW X5 Specifications:-
• Vehicle Type: Standard Sports Utility Vehicles 2WD
• Curb Weight: 4680 pounds
• Passenger capacity: 5
• Passenger door: 4
• Wheelbase: 115.5 inches
• Length overall: 192.4 inches
• Width max: 76.3 inches
• Height overall: 69.4 inches
• Ground Clearance: 8.5 inches
• Engine Type: Turbocharged and intercooler inline-6
• Engine displacement: 3.0 liters
• Power @ RPM: 300 @ 5800
• Torque @ RPM: 300 @ 1300
• Fuel System: Direct Injection
• Transmission: 8 Speed Automatic
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.4 gallon
• Fuel Economy: 18 mpg (city) 25 mpg (highway) 21 mpg (combined)
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
Pros and Cons:-
• Something that most car manufacturers neglect is the seating position. In the 2016 BMW X5, the visibility with the seating position is simply great. The interiors are in sync with the BMW’s reputation with luxury vehicles. There’s enough space for cargo when you fold one of the five seats. Installing the sixth seat is not possible though since the car needs to accommodate the battery too.
• The X5 is not very efficient but is still environmentally conscious. Such cars usually cost higher, and with an SUV tag, the price goes up higher. You may not feel that you get what you pay for once you start commuting on a daily basis, and the presence of the electric motor gradually becomes irrelevant.
• The EPA rating for diesel is 25mpg for highways and 23 for city driving. On an average, the fuel economy stays between 18 to 24 mpg. That is still on the lower side for hybrids.
• The brake feels a bit spongy. For controlled braking, the driver must focus on the braking more than usual. It uses the conventional blended braking system that does not perform well enough always.
Bottom Line
The BMW X5 is a great vehicle to own when you are environmentally conscious; you love BMW, and you need to commute short distances only. Because with short distances, the electric motor becomes relevant. Otherwise, it is just another crossover.
