2020 (G05) BMW X5 xDrive45e Hybrid Launched – The Electrified Goliath Is Back…RM440,745

We take a closer look at the new BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport SUV. Now officially launched in Malaysia.

Hot on the heels of the launch of the all-new (G06) BMW X6, BMW Malaysia has now introduced the much-awaited X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid variant of its seminal SUV, or Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) as they like to call it.

The second-generation of BMWs hugely successful hybrid X5 is offered here in its singular ‘M Sport’ trim package, priced at RM440,745, OTR excluding insurance, the recent sales tax exemption resulted in a further RM8k drop, from RM448,800.

That price makes the X5 xDrive45e roughly RM60k more than its closest competitor, the Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV. However, the hybrid's pricetag is roughly RM200k less than the non-hybrid BMW X5 xDrive40i first introduced last year.

In terms of the platform, the new X5 has much in common with its sedan compatriots. Underpinning it is a variant of BMW’s CLAR platform first brought in with the 7 Series and eventually implemented with the current 5 Series and 3 Series.

The locally-assembled model xDrive45e (45e) is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine packing BMW’s ‘eDrive’ technology delivering a maximum output of 394hp and a combined peak torque of 600Nm.

Those figures represent a 78hp increase of power and a whopping 150Nm increase in torque over the previous (F15) X5 xDrive40e model, and an increase of 54hp and 150Nm over the non-hybrid X5 xDrive40i  – this makes the 45e the most powerful 'non-M' X5 ever sold in Malaysia.

It’s not just the power that has increased, efficiency is up too, in ‘full-electric’ mode, the 45e has an electric driving range of up to 77km (up from 30km for the previous 40e) on a full charge, and is able to travel at a top speed of 135km/h. This courtesy of the latest-generation Lithium-Ion batteries fitted under the rear floor. The new 45e also features a low fuel consumption of 2.5 l/100km and claimed carbon emissions of 56g/km.

Power is sent to BMW’s seminal 8-speed Steptronic transmission which is integrated with the synchronous electric motor. From there, power is transmitted to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. The New X5 45e is now also equipped with the 2-Axle air suspension on the front and rear axles, maximising its dynamic ability and comfort levels. Performance figures read 5.6 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint and a top speed of 235km/h.

On the outside, the M Sport package adds 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in Star-Spoke style 740 M Bicolour, along with the signature M Sport brakes, finished in blue.

Here’s a shortlist of the major equipment of the X5 xDrive45e:

• 20-inch M light-alloy wheels
• Panoramic glass roof
• Adaptive LED headlights
• BMW Display Key
• Vernasca genuine leather upholstery
• LED ambient lighting
• 4-zone automatic air-conditioning
• Contactless opening and closing tailgate
• 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional instrument panel 
• BMW Gesture control infotainment
• Dual 10.2-inch touch screen monitors for rear passengers 
• 16-speaker (464W) Harman Kardon sound system
• Active Cruise Control 
• Lane departure warning and lane change warning
• Front Collision Warning with brake intervention
• Rear cross-traffic collision alert and prevention
• Heads-up Display
• Surround view camera
• Parking Assist Plus With Reverse Assistant (records last 50 metres of the journey)

Additionally, the xDrive45e is equipped with Comfort Access 2.0 which enables contactless locking and unlocking, meaning the door handle does not need to be grabbed or touched to lock or unlock the vehicle. Sensors on each side of the vehicle will recognise the vehicle key and lock/unlock the vehicle when the driver approaches or walks away from the car. 

Contactless opening/closing is also available at the back with the top and bottom section of the tailgate opened electronically when one slides waves their feet under the rear bumper. The boot itself offers 500 litres of luggage space, which can be increased to 1,720 litres with the rear seats lowered. 

Colour offerings for the New BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport include Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire, Mineral White and Artic Grey. They will be complemented with exquisite interior upholstery of Leather ‘Vernasca’ design perforations in black and a fine-wood trim ‘Fineline Stripe’ with brown high-gloss.

As an added option, the exterior of the BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport can be upgraded to feature BMW M Performance accessories, such as the front air inlet, exterior mirror cap, front and rear winglets, and rear diffuser in carbon fibre.

BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport customers will receive the full suite of manufacturer support which includes the following:

• BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
• BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services
• BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
• The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW White Card
• BMW Service Online

Additionally from now until 31st December 2020, purchase of the New BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport will entitle new owners to an extended battery warranty of 8-year / 160,000km (whichever comes first), improved from the previous 6-year / 100,000km warranty programme.