When we first drove BMW’s first Neue Klasse model, the iX 3 , it quickly revealed that BMW knows how to make a good electric vehicle. A clean-sheet design, it featured the automaker’s sixth-generation electric powertrain , a completely reimagined dashboard, and powerful computers to run the whole show. Now, much of that technology is being ported over to the larger X 5 line.
But BMW knows not all its customers are ready to go electric, especially in the US, so it’s sticking with its powertrain-agnostic CLAR platform, as used in cars as diverse as the large 7 Series and the new gasoline 3 Series. Which means in addition to the all-electric iX 5, there are also mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid X 5 s available, and in time, even a hydrogen-powered option. For now, as I’ll explain, I think the EV is the pick of the bunch. Get used to it, because this is what BMW SUV kidney grilles look like from now on. Credit: BMW If you looked very carefully you'd see this was an iX 5 because there's no exhausts. Of course, reading the badge is probably easier. Credit: BMW Pick your power
The most conventional option is the X 5 40 xDrive, powered by a 3. 0 L turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that generates 394 hp (294 kW) and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm). The 48 V mild hybrid system can contribute a decent slug of torque (148 lb-ft/200 Nm) if necessary, and the engine operates under the Miller cycle for better efficiency, as well as featuring the usual BMW engine technology, like variable valve timing. Expect around 26 mpg (9 L/100 km) from this powertrain and a full-to-empty range of 569 miles (915 km).
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