Is the 2022 BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid a Good Car?

The best-selling 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e is a top choice if you’re on the market for an upscale, mid-sized plug-in hybrid SUV.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Want the best of both worlds when it comes to luxury and eco-friendly fuel savings? Look to the 2022
BMW X5
xDrive45e—a plug-in hybrid midsize SUV that goes above and beyond when it comes to upscale versatility and performance.
Exceptional performance? Check. Solid high-end materials and functionality? Check. The fuel savings of a hybrid powertrain? Almost. Starting at $64,695, the X5 xDrive45e is a top-notch choice when it comes to execution and luxury, but this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)’s fuel economy leaves much to be desired.
Want to make sure the 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e is the PHEV to meet your needs? Check out this extensive review of the eco-friendly SUV from
Jerry
, the super app for
car insurance
savings. 

2022 BMW X5 plug-in hybrid

While some manufacturers turn to futuristic styling and features to make their electrified models stand out from the pack, BMW doesn’t need to work nearly that hard.
With three decades in the midsize SUV segment under its belt already, the 2022 BMW X5 is an established leader of the pack in branding, design, and function. Swapping its gasoline engine with a plug-in hybrid powertrain won’t be changing that anytime soon.
If you’re looking at a BMW, then you’re obviously looking for more than just a simple PHEV for your next family vehicle. Let’s break down all the high-end touches of the 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e.

Pricing

The price point on a BMW is the first sign that you’ve got a luxury car on your hands and the X5 xDrive45e starts at $64,695. There’s not much getting around that price—the xDrive45e’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is only available on this one higher-tier trim of the standard X5. However, that price is only $3,100 more than the entry-level X5 sDrive40i—and a new BMW X5 PHEV is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit!

Performance and fuel economy

The X5 has a long-standing reputation for top-of-the-line performance and the xDrive45e carries the torch. This PHEV’s powertrain consists of a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine and electric motor operated by a six-speed automatic transmission. The result is a combined 389 horsepower and a zero-to-60 acceleration time of 4.7 seconds.
While the X5 PHEV excels in performance, it lags in fuel economy. The xDrive45e is only rated for 46 MPGe combined fuel economy when the gas engine and battery power are working together. Once that battery runs out of juice, you’re left with a disappointing 26 MPG combined fuel economy. 
The 24.0 kWh battery is supposedly good for 30 miles of all-electric driving range, but it takes a longer-than-average time to charge—5.3 hours on a Level 2 charger and 17.7 hours on a standard 110-volt outlet. 
When it comes to fuel-saving perks, you likely won’t be able to enjoy as many with the X5 xDrive45e as you would with a competitor. However, this PHEV may still work for you if your drives are often short and you have plenty of time to charge up in between. 

Exterior styling

There’s no knocking BMW’s signature styling. The X5 xDrive45e is sleek, attractive, forward-thinking, and a real stand-out amongst its competitors. This PHEV doesn’t need any extra pops to attract the eyes—this unassuming SUV does that all on its own already. 
You can rock your X5 PHEV in Jet Black or Alpine White or dish out $650 extra for a premium metallic finish in Black Sapphire, Dark Graphite, Mineral White, Sparkling Brown, Phytonic Blue, or Manhattan Green.

Interior and comfort

Inside the X5 is where we see most of the real perks of a luxury car. This SUV features high-end materials, a plethora of charging points for personal devices, and power-adjustable massaging seats with memory settings just to name a few.
The X5 PHEV is not available with third-row seating—unlike its sDrive40i and xDrive 40i siblings. However, the cargo space does not disappoint with 33.1 cubic feet to start and 72.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. 
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Technology

BMW’s design maintains a classic feel, but the technology in the X5 PHEV is anything but! Two 12.3-inch screens act as a digital gauge display and a touchscreen infotainment center. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard along with BMW’s intuitive iDrive technology.  
On the other hand, the standard X5 xDrive45e leaves some safety features to be desired, only including basics like:
  • Automated emergency braking 
  • Lane departure warnings
  • Frontal collision warnings with mitigation
  • Blind-spot monitoring
Drivers do, however, have the option to add advanced safety technology—including a semi-autonomous driving feature—at an additional cost.   

Warranty coverage

The PHEV warranty package from BMW doesn’t break any barriers when it comes to the basics like limited and powertrain warranties. However, the package does include desirable extras like complimentary roadside assistance and maintenance.
Here’s the full BMW X5 xDrive45e warranty package:
  • Limited warranty: four years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first)
  • Powertrain warranty: four years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first)
  • Hybrid warranty: eight years or 80,000 miles (whichever comes first)
  • Corrosion warranty: 12 years with unlimited miles
  • Roadside assistance services: four years with unlimited miles
  • Complimentary maintenance: three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first)

Trim levels and options

The 2022 BMW X5 xDriver45e Plug-in Hybrid is only available in this one trim alongside the X5’s non-hybrid trims. The same goes for the 2023 X5 xDrive45e, which has only just hit the market. Here are the packages that you can add to your X5 xDrive45e:
  • Luxury seating package
  • Driver assistance professional package
  • Parking assistance package
  • Climate comfort package
  • Executive package
Most of these packages are on the nose, providing advanced driver assistance features or interior upgrades. The executive package includes a heads-up display, glass design finishes, an LED-accented dual panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, and rear window shades.

The bottom line

The 2022 BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid lacks some of the advanced driver assistance features you might expect from an electrified vehicle, and the fuel economy is nothing to write home about. However, it is a worthy contender for the luxury car lover who wants to reduce their carbon footprint.

2022 BMW X5 PHEV vs. 2022 Volvo XC60 PHEV

Let’s take a look at how the BMW X5 PHEV measures up against its luxury rival—the 2022
Volvo XC60
Recharge. 
The XC60 Recharge outshines the X5 xDrive45e in this category with 57 MPGe. It also gets more all-electric driving with a slightly shorter charge and for almost $10,000 less.
Model
Starting price
Fuel economy (gas only)
Fuel economy (gas + electric)
Driving range
Charging time (Level 2)
Hybrid battery warranty
2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e
$64,695
26 mpg
46 MPGe
30 miles
5.3 hours
8 years or 80,000 miles
2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge
$55,345
25 mpg
57 MPGe
35 miles
5 hours
8 years or 100,000 miles

2022 BMW X5 PHEV vs. 2022 Audi Q5 PHEV

Starting at $55,695, the
Audi Q5 Premium
55 PHEV is yet another one of the BMW X5’s main competitors. 
The 2022 Audi Q5 PHEV’s only fallback against the BMW X5 is a shorter all-electric driving range—by only seven miles. The Q5 PHEV has much better gas and electric combined fuel economy—61 MPGe—and can fully recharge in less than half the time. To top it all off, the price is once again considerably less than the BMW X5 PHEVs by over $8,000.
Model
Starting price
Fuel economy (gas only)
Fuel economy (gas + electric)
Driving range
Charging time (Level 2)
Hybrid battery warranty
2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e
$64,695
26 mpg
46 MPGe
30 miles
5.3 hours
8 years or 80,000 miles
2022 Audi Q5 Premium 55 PHEV
$56,595
26 mpg
61 MPGe
23 miles
2.5 hours
8 years or 100,000 miles
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While competitors may have a one-up on the BMW X5 xDrive45e when it comes to hybrid functionality, it’s hard to resist the classic style and modern features of a BMW. Whatever luxury plug-in hybrid SUV you land on, you’re going to need an equally irresistible insurance policy.
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