BMW has built its reputation around producing vehicles that combine luxury and performance, creating what the brand calls "The Ultimate Driving Machine." At one time, the BMW lineup was primarily coupes and sedans. However, the company introduced SUVs into the mix about 25 years ago with the groundbreaking X5. After many iterations, the X5 is now BMW's best-selling model.
For 2024, the X5 gets a significant refresh, including updated styling and improved performance. These changes are quite noticeable in perhaps the most innovative offering in the lineup—the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
The BMW X5 has seen several updates since JD Power last reviewed the X5 plug-in hybrid in 2021. While the vehicle remained primarily unchanged for 2022 and 2023, the 2024 model year brings a host of changes. Here's what's new for the X5 PHEV in 2024:
In addition to the X5 xDrive50e that I drove, the 2024 BMW X5 lineup includes the sDrive40i, xDrive40i, M60i, and M Competition. Prices range from around $65,000 to around $122,000. Aside from the base-level sDrive40i, all 2024 X5s come standard with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
Previously, JD Power reviewed the 2021 BMW X5 plug-in hybrid. This review focuses on the X5's updates for 2024 and how they potentially impact its overall consumer appeal.
Photo: Perry Stern
The BMW X5 competes in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV market segment. According to data collected from verified new-vehicle buyers for the JD Power 2023 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, 68 percent of new BMW X5 buyers are male (vs. 65 percent for the segment), and the median age of a new X5 buyer is 55 years (vs. 58).
As part of the APEAL Study, owners rated the X5 in 10 primary categories. Listed below in descending order, you'll find their preferences, from their most favorite thing about the vehicle to their least favorite:
In the 2023 APEAL Study, the X5 ranks fifth out of 13 Upper Midsize Premium SUV models.
In the following sections, our independent expert analyzes a 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e equipped with the following options:
The test vehicle's price was $87,745, including the $995 destination charge.
Photo: Perry Stern
While still recognizable as an X5, the popular BMW SUV gets a significant refresh for the 2024 model year. Redesigned headlights have a slimmer look, featuring arrow-shaped LED running lights for a distinctive appearance. The traditional kidney features a sculpted border, appearing in chrome or black trim, depending on the option package. The grille can also illuminate, lighting up when the doors open. The lower fascia is larger with more detail, flowing into new vertical vents that give the X5 a wider stance.
The view of the X5 driving away has also changed, featuring new LED taillights with fiber-optic light elements. Traditional "L"-shaped lights appear to reflect horizontally, creating an "X" shape that is quite striking at night. The restyled rear bumper provides a cleaner appearance.
While these changes give the X5 a fresh look, the basic shape of the vehicle remains unchanged since its last major redesign in 2019. Like the previous version, the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid looks primarily the same as its non-hybrid siblings, except for the charge port on the left front fender.
One of the more significant updates for the 2024 model year gives the X5 PHEV a more powerful hybrid powertrain. While the trim names of BMWs no longer indicate the engine size, larger numbers indicate more power. The X5 plug-in is now the xDrive50e, replacing the outgoing xDrive45e.
At the heart of the updated hybrid system is a substantially revised, turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The gas engine uses the Miller combustion cycle, which shortens the time that the intake valves are open for improved efficiency. BMW also completely redesigned the engine's combustion chambers and intake parts.
The electrified component of the hybrid system is a more powerful electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission. The electric motor puts out 194 horsepower—a substantial increase of 83 hp versus the outgoing version. With 332 pound-feet of torque delivered instantly through the transmission, acceleration is noticeably more robust, as is the power to pass when needed. The lithium-ion battery supplying power to the motor is almost 25 percent larger than before.
Together, the gas engine and electric motor produce 483 hp and 516 pound-feet of torque. The combination delivers impressive acceleration. According to BMW, the xDrive50e can reach 60 mph in about 4.6 seconds.
Not only is this new powertrain more potent, but the larger battery provides enough power for a much greater EV range. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the xDrive50e can travel 39 miles on electricity alone on a full battery. However, I saw 47 miles of range after fully charging the BMW's battery to 100 percent.
Like most other plug-in hybrid vehicles, the X5 PHEV can charge from a standard household outlet or a Level 2 charger; DC fast charging is not an option. I plugged the X5 into a ChargePoint Level 2 public charger, and it took about four hours to reach 100-percent charge from a completely depleted battery.
Fuel efficiency has also increased for the 2024 model year. According to the EPA, the plug-in hybrid X5 gets 58 MPGe combined in hybrid mode, or 22 mpg combined based on the gasoline engine. These figures are up from 50 and 20, respectively, for the previous X5 PHEV.
I drove the X5 xDrive50e for about 130 miles. According to the trip computer, the average fuel economy was 40.8 mpg, and I traveled about half of those miles using just electric power.
Photo: Perry Stern
BMW first introduced the advanced curved display screen running iDrive 8 on the all-electric iX. Since then, this futuristic-looking display has filtered into the company's lineup. The 2024 BMW X5 is the latest recipient of this upgrade, and it gives the SUV a high-tech vibe.
The large, curved screen dominates the X5's cabin, putting the 12.3-inch driver display and 14.9-inch infotainment display behind a single curved glass screen that seems to float above the dashboard. With the new display, BMW has practically eliminated all physical controls from the X5's cabin, with the exception of a volume knob as well as buttons for front and rear defrosters. There is also the classic iDrive controller located on the center console within easy reach of the driver.
While the buttons are mostly gone, the infotainment system is still pretty easy to use. Shortcuts to navigation, communications, audio, and the Home page remain static at the bottom of the screen. While I prefer climate controls be kept separate, the temperature controls for the dual-zone climate system are part of the permanent menu on the screen for quick access.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on the 2024 X5, now with wireless connectivity. I had no problem connecting my Samsung Galaxy S23+ via Bluetooth, and the prompt to load Android Auto came up immediately. Once loaded, a link to Android Auto appears in the screen menu to easily swap between phone integration and the native system.
In addition to the touchscreen and iDrive controller interface, BMW offers its advanced natural-language voice control system, the BMW Personal Assistant. Saying "Hey, BMW" activates the system, and it can handle a wide variety of requests. The temperature increased a few degrees when I told the system I was cold. When I asked where to find the closest coffee shop, the Personal Assistant provided me with a selection of locations, directing me to the one I chose.
With its more powerful plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the X5 xDrive50e is both a fuel-efficient cruiser as well as a high-performance machine ready to take on an exciting, twisty back road.
I live about five miles from Interstate 94 in Southeast Michigan, and the X5 stayed in electric mode for the entire drive out to the Interstate. Acceleration is surprisingly good in EV mode thanks to the torquey electric motor, certainly more than adequate for getting around town without engaging the gasoline engine.
Upon entering the I-94 onramp, I put my right foot down hard, and the gas engine quickly engaged, delivering the full force of this updated hybrid system. Power comes on smooth and strong, bringing the X5 up to freeway speed (and beyond if you don't pay close attention) very quickly with power to spare. Once reaching 70 mph, I set the cruise control, and the X5 switched back to operating on electric power only, starting the gas engine as needed. The ride was smooth and comfortable, and I could enjoy the nicely cushioned front seats and the high-end Harman Kardon audio system.
For my return trip, I left the Interstate and took to the back roads, winding through farmland and Michigan's stunning fall foliage. With precise steering, AWD, and plenty of power on tap, the X5 xDrive50e is a joy to drive through the twists and turns, feeling like a different vehicle from the one that, moments ago, was cruising comfortably down the highway. Brakes provide excellent stopping power. Overall, the X5 PHEV delivers a confident, enjoyable ride.
Photo: Perry Stern
The BMW X5 has always delivered a perfect blend of performance and luxury. Updated for the 2024 model year, the stylish 5-passenger SUV adds a high level of efficiency to its repertoire with the more powerful xDrive50e plug-in hybrid.
With added power, better fuel economy, and a more extended EV driving range, the 2024 xDrive50e has quickly become my favorite in the X5 lineup. In addition to its excellent driving dynamics and impressive fuel efficiency, the updated exterior styling and new futuristic-looking curved display screen inside add to the X5's appeal.
There are plug-in hybrid SUVs with higher performance (Porsche Cayenne) or more luxury (Land Rover Range Rover). Still, the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e stands out with a proper mix of power, luxury, and efficiency.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry is still crazy about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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