BMW X5 45e hybrid

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Discussion

BrettMRC

Original Poster:

4,071 posts

160 months

Friday 3rd January 2020
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Looks nice! smile

The air suspension is standard on UK builds.

My local lanes are so badly holed that I had to go for the fattest tyre choice available really!

RazerSauber

2,273 posts

60 months

Saturday 4th January 2020
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BrettMRC said:
Forgive me for asking the most stupid of questions but that speedo is clearly an odd shape, does the 'needle' extend to get to the corners or is it a fixed length? I've tried not to ask but curiosity has got the better of me.

RhysH

108 posts

67 months

Saturday 4th January 2020
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RazerSauber said:
Forgive me for asking the most stupid of questions but that speedo is clearly an odd shape, does the 'needle' extend to get to the corners or is it a fixed length? I've tried not to ask but curiosity has got the better of me.
Its all digital, so problem of needle length is irrelevant.

Great car OP, and no surprising you need something so big for this stunning dogs!

ntiz

2,337 posts

136 months

Saturday 4th January 2020
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Hi OP

Have you done a long journey in it yet?

Really curious drove back from Switzerland today in my p400e struggles to scrape 20 mpg on the motorway.

Once the battery is flat does the X5 recharge the battery and does this affect the mpg much?

Like yours X5 I get fantastic mpg locally but long journeys I have been really disappointed my Dads Bentley is more economical. Sorry to hijack interested in comparisons with other hybrids as it’s the way forward for me after having a Tesla.

Paracetamol

4,225 posts

244 months

Saturday 4th January 2020
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BrettMRC said:
Looks nice! smile

The air suspension is standard on UK builds.

My local lanes are so badly holed that I had to go for the fattest tyre choice available really!
Thanks. I went with 7 seats and that automatically includes air suspension (the dealer had no clue about that or the electric rear seats..both a nice surprise).

I am not at all a fan of SUVs but this thing is absolutely wonderful to drive. Quiet and with s class refinement. It’s heavy but the engine is a peach. Unfortunately we don’t get the hybrid here in the UAE or else it’s a no brainier now it is the straight six unit.

BrettMRC

Original Poster:

4,071 posts

160 months

Saturday 4th January 2020
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To answer a few questions:

  • As above, the needles are digital and follow the outside track, the centre end is free floating as it were. (if that makes sense)
  • I did a 130 mile cruise back home in the evening on Christmas day, driving normally without any charge in the battery I got an average of over 40mpg. A similar trip starting with a fully charged battery gave almost 60mpg on the same route. (obviously the mpg will drop the longer you drive without a charge, but as above - if driven at sensible speeds you will still see 40mpg)
  • The car regens battery power from braking under most conditions, you can elect to charge the battery from the engine, but this will murder economy as is counter productive IMO.
  • The bigger engine is why this vehicle performs so well IMO, less stress on it and less work for the same results as the 2.0 in vehicles such as the P400e.
  • If you boot it, or cruise significantly higher than motorway speeds it is every bit as thirsty as any other big SUV - the sweet spot is below 80mph.
  • Next time I do the Edinburgh run I will take it, that is c450 miles each way - so will get a better idea of true long range capability at that point. (will compare it with the c350e: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17... )
Hope this helps wavey

Edited by BrettMRC on Saturday 4th January 22:14

BrettMRC

Original Poster:

4,071 posts

160 months

Wednesday 22nd January 2020
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Nearly 2000 miles in now, and had the first properly cold snap. (down to -5 when I left on Tuesday morning)

  • Electric range showed 37miles when charged, increased to 41 once pre-conditioned
  • Actual EV range is more or less as indicated, unusual in my experience of PHEVs to date! (The Outlander and C350e both seem to struggle to reach the indicated range)
  • Comfort seats have perhaps too much adjustment, takes quite a long time to find a sweet spot. (that, or my arse is outside of the German spec!)
  • Lights are fantastic, but the auto feature is nothing like as good as the one on the Merc. (The C350e lights are like witchcraft in auto mode)

custardkid

2,514 posts

224 months

Friday 24th January 2020
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Any other updates?
Probably going to order a basic xline on small wheels with only options being dark glass & tow bar

Ether artic grey of phytonic blue

The grey probably compliments the plastic body trim better?

BrettMRC

Original Poster:

4,071 posts

160 months

Friday 24th January 2020
quotequote all
custardkid said:
Any other updates?
Probably going to order a basic xline on small wheels with only options being dark glass & tow bar

Ether artic grey of phytonic blue

The grey probably compliments the plastic body trim better?
I agree with the grey working better with the plastic wheel arch extensions, but suspect any of the darker colours would still look good.

In terms of other updates...not much more to say that hasn't already been said.

Happy to answer any questions though smile

Big Tomm

67 posts

52 months

Friday 24th January 2020
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BrettMRC said:
What a fantastic pair of dogs you have there.

I’m a sucker for a nice pair of pups. I’m sure they need a good old bit of space. I’ve had to buy a larger car for my Labrador, who is significantly smaller than your hounds.

Back on topic though the X5 looks fantastic. Looking at the newer BMW range the kidney grills don’t quite appeal to me but I’m sure they’ll grow on me the more I see.

Very tempted by an X5, with some of the recent threads on here.

BrettMRC

Original Poster:

4,071 posts

160 months

Friday 24th January 2020
quotequote all
Big Tomm said:
What a fantastic pair of dogs you have there.

I’m a sucker for a nice pair of pups. I’m sure they need a good old bit of space. I’ve had to buy a larger car for my Labrador, who is significantly smaller than your hounds.

Back on topic though the X5 looks fantastic. Looking at the newer BMW range the kidney grills don’t quite appeal to me but I’m sure they’ll grow on me the more I see.

Very tempted by an X5, with some of the recent threads on here.
The grilles still don't bother me, but then I usually go for a car based on capability rather than looks - hence a litany of ugly cars in my past!

custardkid

2,514 posts

224 months

Friday 24th January 2020
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Sorry strange request. can you please take some pictures of the dash trim.. Cotswold only have Msports in stock

Paracetamol

4,225 posts

244 months

Friday 24th January 2020
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I have to admit it’s by far the best SUV I have driven. I am no fan of them at all (my wife insists on driving one). I bought the new 540i and whilst it’s better in many ways, the X5 is very laid back. It feels truly tuned to luxury but is still responsive enough.

BrettMRC

Original Poster:

4,071 posts

160 months

Friday 24th January 2020
quotequote all
custardkid said:
Sorry strange request. can you please take some pictures of the dash trim.. Cotswold only have Msports in stock
Will try and get some over the weekend for you - this one has the extended leather, not sure what one without it looks like over the dashboard area though.

custardkid

2,514 posts

224 months

Friday 24th January 2020
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Think I'll miss the rear wheel drive of the 535d , it's fast, refined, long legged and relatively fun (have other cars for proper fun)

I like our old L322 for travelling too, but it doesn't handle

Expecting the X5 to be a halfway house between the two ... But nicer inside and more practical

I assume you three pin charge rather than wall box?

BrettMRC

Original Poster:

4,071 posts

160 months

Friday 24th January 2020
quotequote all
Yes, they come with a 3pin, 10A charger - they are designed for slow charging overnight; there is no fast charge option that I am aware of. smile

custardkid

2,514 posts

224 months

Saturday 25th January 2020
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BrettMRC said:
Will try and get some over the weekend for you - this one has the extended leather, not sure what one without it looks like over the dashboard area though.
It was more aluminium / grey bit

..its ether that or £4 per month for the fine line wood

Going white interior to brighten up the inside as wont have the pan roof & although i'll obviously clean it, if it looks tired after 4 years its not my problem smile

BrettMRC

Original Poster:

4,071 posts

160 months

Wednesday 29th January 2020
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custardkid said:
It was more aluminium / grey bit

..its ether that or £4 per month for the fine line wood

Going white interior to brighten up the inside as wont have the pan roof & although i'll obviously clean it, if it looks tired after 4 years its not my problem smile
Not had a chance to get out there in the daylight yet - so no photos, but TBH the stock dark aluminium is what I have, and what has been in 99% of the ones I have seen. It's totally inoffensive and actually quite nice.

OtherBusiness

838 posts

142 months

Wednesday 29th January 2020
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Really like the look of that Brett. Got an X3 M40i at the mo but might go for this next....

BrettMRC

Original Poster:

4,071 posts

160 months

Wednesday 29th January 2020
quotequote all
Thanks smile

Ok, had a look through what I have for interior pics showing the dark aluminium mesh: