2017?brings a notable change to BMW's X5, as the German manufacturer drops the diesel-powered xDrive 35d model in favour of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) xDrive 40e model introduced late last year.
We can't say we're surprised: with Porsche and Volvo both offering their mid-range crossovers (Cayenne and XC90) with plug-in powertrains and Audi set to add an electrified version of its Q7, BMW stood to miss out if it didn't take a cruise down electric avenue.
Factor in a diesel reputation sullied by Volkswagen's 2015 emissions indiscretions and it makes even more sense to make the transition to electricity as a "green" option for the X5.
The X5 xDrive 40e works its fuel-saving magic by pairing a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder borrowed from the X3 and 3 Series ranges and pairing it with an electric motor. On its own, the gas unit makes the same 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque as it does in other models, but adding battery power boosts those figures to 308 hp and 332 lb-ft.
That makes it slightly more potent than the base xDrive 35i's 300 hp and 300 lb-ft, from a familiar turbocharged six-cylinder, but leaves the xDrive 50i as top-dog with its turbo V8 cranking out 445 hp and 479 lb-ft.
As a bonus, BMW says the 40e can go up to 28 km on a fully-charged battery before firing up the gas engine to keep things moving.
All three powertrains use an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive all-wheel drive.
BMW's specs list fuel consumption estimates for the xDrive 40e at 10.2/9.5 L/100 km (city/highway) -- better than the 35i's 13.0/9.8, but the old diesel was more efficient on the highway. V8 consumption ratings are 15.4/11.3 L/100 km.
X5 pricing starts at $67,000 for the xDrive 35i (an increase of $1,000 over the 2016 version), the xDrive 40e comes in at $74,700, and the 50i carries a tag of $81,200.
Standard kit in 35i trim includes 19-inch wheels, steerable LED headlights, adaptive brake lights, fog lights, heated, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, heated windshield washer jets, front and rear park assist, backup camera, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated steering wheel and front seats, power-adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering, power tailgate, 10-way adjustable front seats with driver memory, Dakota leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, nine-speaker stereo with USB and auxiliary inputs and CD player, and Bluetooth.
40e models add 20-inch wheels.
50i trim reverts to 19-inch wheels, but gets soft-close doors, garage door opener and navigation with voice control.
Twenty-inch wheels are optional on gasoline-powered models. Other extras include Sport line trim ($4,000), a Premium Package that ranges from $4,900 to $6,900, a full Merino leather interior (also $6,900), and night vision with pedestrian detection for $2,500.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
