Overview The 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e hybrid is nothing if not versatile. Created from the same five-passenger SUV blueprint as the standard BMW X5, the xDrive50e uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain in place of the standard gasoline engine. Though efficiency and its EPA-estimated 39 miles of battery-only range get the headlines, the xDrive50e’s performance is a core part of the story: its turbocharged inline-six and electric motor combo are good for 483 horsepower and 60-mph sprints of just 3.9 seconds. Combined with lively handling that doesn’t shy away from a dance on a twisty road, an ample cargo area, and a premium, peaceful interior, it’s a worthy competitor to models including the Mercedes-Benz GLE450e and the Volvo XC90.What’s New for 2026?All X5 eDrive50e models produced beginning in March of 2025 are able to charge at 11 kW, up from the previous 7.4 kW.Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 BMW X5 Hybrid starts at $74,975.With only one trim on offer, the decision-making comes down to options. We’d spring for the Premium package, which adds a head-up display and a Harman/Kardon Surround Sound System, as well as the Climate Comfort package, which includes four-zone automatic climate control, front and rear heated seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e comes with a turbocharged inline-six and an electric motor that combine for 483 horsepower. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard, and the stout powertrain delivers strong enough go to out-accelerate plenty of high-performance cars. When cruising, the X5 Hybrid serves up a refined, comfortable ride, but it also knows how to make time on a twisty road. The X5’s handling is athletic, with more than a hint of sports-sedan sharpness in the steering and suspension tuning.0–60-MPH TimesAt our test track, the hybrid powertrain motivated the xDrive50e to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. That is only 0.3 seconds off the pace of the 523-hp, V-8-powered M60i.More on the X5 Hybrid SUVTowing and Payload Capacity While the xDrive50e’s nonhybrid siblings can tow up to 7200 pounds, the hybrid model is limited to a maximum of 5952 pounds. Payload capacity, however, is higher for the xDrive50e at 1323 pounds versus up to 1193 for the M60i and 1054 for the 40i models.Range, Charging, and Battery Life The xDrive50e model comes standard with a 19.2-kWh battery pack that the EPA estimates is good for 39 miles of electric-only driving. The version we tested delivered 33 miles of electric range on the highway. An 11-kW onboard charger provides for charging at home on 110-volt or 240-volt outlets or at public charging stations.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGeThe EPA hasn’t released 2026 fuel economy estimates for the X5 xDrive50e, but since it carries over unchanged, we expect that it will deliver similar results to the 2025 model: 22 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. With the electric driving range included in the calculation, the combined rating rose to 58 MPGe. In our highway fuel economy testing, an xDrive50e delivered 54 MPGe when running only on battery power and 26 mpg overall. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. For more information about the X5’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe xDrive50e’s cabin is identical to that of other X5s, which means premium materials, plenty of convenience features, and comfortable seating for adults in both rows. Power-adjustable front seats (with memory for the driver) are standard, as are a power-adjustable steering column, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power rear liftgate. Options include massaging seats, remote start, soft-close doors, acoustic glass, and a leather-covered dashboard. With the rear seats in use, we managed to fit 11 of our carry-on suitcases behind the second row. With the rear seats folded—an operation that can be done from either the side or the rear of the SUV—we found room for 26 cases. The Mercedes GLE matched the X5’s result in this test, case for case, but its second-row seats aren’t as easy to stow.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityA 12.3-inch screen behind the wheel serves as a gauge display while a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen provides access to BMW’s iDrive infotainment interface; together, they span two-thirds of the dashboard. The X5 originally launched with iDrive 8, but has since been offered a free over-the-air update to iDrive 8.5. Users can also control the system via a center-console-mounted rotary knob. A premium Harmon/Kardon audio system is available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a wireless smartphone charging pad and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesBMW offers basic driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking, but more advanced features such as a semi-autonomous driving mode are optional. For more information about the X5’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageBMW matches its main rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi with similar warranty coverage but offers three years or 36,000 miles worth of complimentary scheduled maintenance to sweeten the deal. Volvo buyers also get such a benefit, while the Buick Enclave has longer powertrain coverage.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Hybrid component warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
SpecificationsSpecifications
2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e*
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $73,495/$87,745
Options: Executive Package (LED lights, Harman Kardon audio, head-up display, gesture controls), $3950; M Sport Package (M steering wheel, dark exterior trim), $2750; Driving Assistance Pro Package, $2100; Climate Comfort Package (front and rear heated seats, heated steering wheel and front armrests, four-zone climate control), $1350; 21-inch wheels and tires, $950; Parking Assistance Package, $900; M Sport Professional Package (M Sport brakes with red calipers, illuminated kidney grille), $850; Multi-contour seats, $750; Brooklyn Grey metallic paint, $650
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 308 hp, 331 lb-ft + AC motor, 194 hp, 280 lb-ft (combined output: 483 hp, 516 lb-ft; 19.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 7.4-kW onboard charger)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.7-in vented disc/14.6-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
F: 275/40R-21 107Y ★
R: 315/35R-21 111Y ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.1 in
Length: 194.2 in
Width: 78.9 in
Height: 69.1 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/50 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 71/31 ft3
Curb Weight: 5473 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.9 sec
100 mph: 10.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.5 sec @ 110 mph
130 mph: 19.3 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 131 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 160 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 326 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 26 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving, EV/Hybrid Mode: 54 MPGe/26 mpg
75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 33/470 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 22/22/23 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 58 MPGe
EV Range: 38 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
* Test results and specs apply to current model year.More Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
