Actual Vary, Charging Time, Efficiency & Specs Examined

The 2026 BMW X5 is coming into its seventh and ultimate yr of manufacturing. BMW sometimes updates its autos solely as soon as throughout a seven-year cycle, on the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) midway by means of. The LCI for the G05 X5 arrived for the 2024 mannequin yr. BMW has handled the X5 xDrive50e in another way, nonetheless, upgrading the onboard charger from 7.4 kW to 11 kW and shifting from iDrive 8 to iDrive 8.5. The upper-capacity charger converts 220V AC energy to DC, permitting a full cost in about 2.5 hours.

Extra Energy, Extra Vary

BMW’s hybrid powertrain within the X5 xDrive50e delivers a mixed 483 hp and 517 lb-ft of torque—a rise of 94 hp and 73 lb-ft over the pre-facelift X5 xDrive45e. With the LCI, battery capability additionally elevated by 25% to 25.7 kWh usable (29.5 kWh gross). BMW claims an electric-only vary of as much as 38 miles. Nonetheless, in our testing of the 2026 X5 xDrive50e, we exceeded 45 miles on EV energy alone throughout combined circumstances together with freeway driving.

The B58 inline six-cylinder turbo within the X5 xDrive50e is rated at 289 hp. BMW’s straight-six has been a trademark of the model for many years, and the B58 stays a standout. When further energy is requested or the high-voltage battery is depleted, the engine begins nearly imperceptibly. The X5 xDrive50e reaches 0–60 mph in a exceptional 4.6 seconds—astonishing for a 5,573-lb car. In some ways, this hybrid powertrain feels engineered extra for efficiency than effectivity. Even in Sport mode, the electrical motor fills in energy immediately, eliminating turbo lag fully.

Energy is routed by means of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automated transmission designed particularly for hybrid operation. A 194-hp electrical motor is built-in into the transmission bell housing. This fifth-generation eDrive setup is a technical achievement, seamlessly mixing EV-only, hybrid, and gasoline operation. As a result of the motor sits forward of the gears, the X5 can use all eight speeds even in electric-only mode.

Varied Driving Modes

4 configurable drive modes can be found: Electrical, Hybrid, Sport, and Battery Maintain. These are managed through devoted buttons left of the beginning/cease change, with Battery Maintain positioned above it. With iDrive 8.5, many controls now reside throughout the 14.9-inch contact show; luckily, drive modes and transmission settings retain bodily inputs. The iDrive rotary controller continues to be current—for now—although we count on it to vanish within the next-generation X5.

Electrical mode prioritizes battery utilization till depleted, although full throttle will override it and begin the combustion engine. Hybrid mode switches intelligently primarily based on cost degree and throttle demand. Battery Maintain mode permits drivers to protect cost at a set degree (for instance, 80%)—helpful in European cities the place EV-only zones scale back congestion charges. Sport mode retains the engine working constantly and is the least environment friendly.

The Driving Expertise

From behind the wheel, I anticipated a reserved hybrid expertise. As an alternative, the X5 xDrive50e seems like a stealth efficiency SUV. Regardless of the additional 550 lbs of hybrid {hardware}, BMW has managed to protect an impressively athletic character. Below heavy braking, the load turns into noticeable, however stopping efficiency stays sturdy. Elevate off the throttle and regenerative braking subtly slows the car whereas feeding vitality again into the battery.

Inside high quality stays a BMW energy. The driving place is superb, the steering wheel feels substantial, and there are nonetheless helpful bodily buttons. Heated and ventilated seats have been appreciated, and the rear bench is each snug and supportive. Rear-seat heating and multi-zone local weather management are non-compulsory.

Not like our 2021 BMW X3, nonetheless, the rear seats don’t recline, and there’s no distant launch to fold them—a small annoyance when loading from the tailgate. The non-compulsory third row can also be unavailable because of the battery structure. Cargo area is 60.7 cubic toes, down roughly 5 cubic toes versus non-hybrid fashions.

With iDrive 8.5, Apple CarPlay now shows within the head-up show and instrument cluster. To unlock full performance, house owners should pair their car utilizing the My BMW app, scan the QR code on the sprint, and confirm the VIN. Steadily used shortcuts, navigation historical past, and saved settings populate routinely.

Much less Cargo Room

As for drawbacks? Past the load enhance, cargo area is barely diminished beneath the ground—no room for a spare tire. Gasoline capability additionally drops from 21.9 gallons to 18.2 gallons, a discount of three.7 gallons. Regardless of this, a totally fueled and charged X5e gives roughly 550 miles of complete vary—excess of our 2021 X3e, whose smaller tank limits it to round 350 miles.

BMW features a Versatile Quick Charger for 120V and 240V residence charging. Whereas a devoted wall field is preferable for every day use, the moveable charger is helpful when touring.

Base MSRP for the 2026 BMW X5 xDrive50e is $75,200, plus a $1,175 vacation spot price. Our check car totaled $85,075 with metallic paint, Driving Help, Parking Help, Premium Package deal, trailer hitch, illuminated kidneys, and vacation spot. The M Sport Package deal stays a compelling improve at simply $2,750.

Nonetheless Considered one of The Greatest BMW SUVs You Can Purchase Right now

Incremental updates maintain the X5 xDrive50e aggressive in its class. With federal hybrid/EV tax credit ending for producers in September 2025, gross sales impression stays unclear—however we keep a robust purchase suggestion. Particular due to Gregg Griswold at Baron BMW in Kansas Metropolis for supplying our check car.