BMW X5 45e PHEV 2020 review. Is this new plug-in hybrid better than a pure EV in the real world? 

Harry is smashing it lately.

Absolutely loving the regular content Harry. Best car show in the known universe!

BMW should just give you that X5. You've done a great job selling it to me and I'm sure a lot of other people. Well done sir!

Churning the videos out lately Harry! Not complaining though it's the best content on RU-vid.

Mr Harry, you are really hammering it now, TG forget it. Harry got it, deep analysis and the numbers.! Thanks SIr!

The original X5 was designed by Frank Stephenson (Him of modern McLaren's, New Mini & New Fiat 500 fame) on a plane flight to Italy in a couple of hours where upon landing he was greeted by 3 old blokes to build the prototype. Frank on expressing his uncertainty that these 3 old men could build a fully functioning the X5 prototype from his quick sketch in time was told "these are the same 3 men that built the Miura prototype" Needless to say the job was done and the rest is history!

This was the first Harry's Garage video I watched and it won't be the last. I really like your presentation style, no histrionics, just a nice conversation with a knowledgeable friend.

Best car content on RU-vid by far 👏🏼👏🏼 , love the BMW X5 hybrid 👍🏼

First time watching a Harry's video, I've been waiting 6 months for someone you make a such a comprehensive video on the bmw x5 45e. The information you have detailed on the rail life performance and cost effectiveness of the electric & petrol combined, has 100% answered all my questions about the vehicle. Its total thumps up for this PHEV model. I've owend a Mitsubishi Outlander phev for the last 2 years, but my true love is the bmw x5. Once again, thank you for the content. Its my pleasure to subscribe to your channel.

Dear Mr. Metcalfe / Mr Harry.... I served your friend Mr. Robert Johnson a coffee at the *Stoneleigh classic car show* on Friday. What a lovely gentleman! Big fan of yours sir.

Amazing videos Harry. But lets be honest, we're all waiting for that Fiat Panda review...

54 miles ... fascinating! (I have a 7 seat diesel 2019 X5. It’s superb with kids/family/guests. ) I love watching your channel Harry. Utterly trusted content.

This is a great review. Absolutely love the new X5 45e and this video shows all the capabilities of the car without glossing over any criticisms. At the end of the day, it looks like a game changer for us fans of BMW, the perfect combo of performance and environmental efficiency in a full size suv.

SO informative, SO balanced, and delivered in a really natural way. Watched it in trepidation as I’m getting one shortly ....phew. You agree with me :-) Subscribed!

This is the video, two years later making me seriously consider getting rid of my Tesla for this Beemer instead. Great video.

Harry, I’m moving from Shmee and the other hoof YTers to your content. Great mix, and far more informative.

Excellent review! My three year old X5 40e use 2,5 l/100km locally and 7,4 l/100 km on long distance (fully loaded). But 80% of the distance I drive is locally around town. With this new 4,5e I would go fully electric for month. All the EV and all the ICE advantages in one car!

Superb review again and very informative Harry. My 45e arrives in May and I cannot wait!

I totally bought one, mostly based on your reviews. Thanks for your very thoughtful comments!

I think you have taken a car review to a whole new level and direction. Facts sharing were on throughout the video and a fair neutral comparison is the best I have ever heard off. Congratulations..

And all the time you were using the rear wiper. Even when talking in the garage. Nice review

Very profesional, as always. Harry is the best.

Harry is the king of motoring journalism , no one is compared ( perhaps maybe his younger neighbor but that’s another story ) . Best car reviewer by far !

Best review I've seen on this car...thank you.

Hybrids dont sound like fun, But having a BMW straight six and lots of electric range makes this one alot better :)

That little white needle would drive me nuts!.. just like the mpg gauge on my e46. Graat video Harry, looking forward to seeing more content on here and Harry's Farm 👍

Really not interested at all in these newer cars but I can happily watch and listen to Harry talk about anything, always end up learning stuff it’s awesome , loving all this content

Even a plug-in washing machine is interesting when Harry makes a video

This is a double treat as it appears we're also about to get another instalment of the Espada build, i've had worse days 😊

Sees new upload from Harry. Clicks like then watches 😊

Top stuff Harry as ever. I do 90% trips of under 50 miles and this is where Hybrid Golf GTE, BMW i8, Porsche Panam' Tourismo e hybrid win out - as mpg on the 'long-term' readout is nearly always 85-100 mpg...and because it is aggregating away in the background every day, even a 250 trip once a month doesn't dent the long term mpg fig by much. In short these cars are brill if you hate petrol stations, love silent town progress, favour torque over power/revs, mainly drive less than 50% over the ev range everyday, like the smooth but gruffly coupled power you get from engine/ev unit when you drive in sport and finally you DO have access to charger(s) at home - then they are better than a full electric car !!

i find myself always "liking" videos even if the car tested is not my cup of tea, purely because Harry is a class act , no gimmicks no showing off for the camera just intelligent reviews for true petrol heads .. well done harry

"High bread" Sounds fun and tasty.

Cool, just make it as a 5 series touring now, BMW.

I may be watching almost 2 years after it was first posted but what a great review. You've answered all my questions and these are still relevant today. Hadn't considered buying this car before....I am now.

Great video! I love how you explained all the maths of it whilst actually driving.. very impressive and clearly indicates you've done your research and subsequent homework!

You got me when you said £76k was "cheap". Will buy five of them tomorrow at this price.

The rear windscreen wiper is driving me nuts.

YAY 24kwh Battery that does 40 plus mile real world range. Finally a PHEV SUV with useful electric range. This seems like a great package.

Have an X5. Saw the notification. Stopped what I was going to do. Proceeded to thoroughly enjoy the video.

Great video Harry, would love to see BMW do a 5 Series tourer with this range and maybe a 240bhp engine, think that would be perfect for me!

I remember reading somewhere when the X5 45e was announced that BMW were considering multiple engines including a 4 cylinder (like in the previous gen 40e) but there wasn’t much difference in economy between that and this 6 cylinder so they decided to go with the bigger smoother engine as they thought customers would prefer it. I’d certainly go for this over the P400e, and would be interested to see how it compared to the Mercedes GLE 350de.

Uncle Harry, The Leadfoot in Loafers! Awesome review. What a machine.

By far my #1 Creator on YT.

I see Harry is wearing his Sub today so Harry and the Mechanic can have matching watches.

I have the 30d version of this car and it's fantastic. This PHEV looks like my next choice.

you don't need to have it adaptive mode for the smart hybrid function where you use the navigation. you can just have it in hybrid or eco pro hybrid also as long as you enter a destination in the navigation system . adaptive mode has with the handling of the car, like steering wheel hardness and suspension.

Nice video Harry :-) The only problem with this type of PHEV is that if you don't plug it in when you get to your destination, getting back home you're lugging around that great big battery with that great big engine glugging loads of petrol. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Please don't confuse kW and kWh. When you said "This does more miles per kW" it's like saying "This does more miles per bhp". kW is power, kWh is energy . You also did this in the Land Rover video.

A great all-round package. I think a lot of people would prefer a BMW straight-six engine over a 4 cylinder! This has the best of both worlds.

It really is imperative that people be aware of the recall which is now in effect for all BMW hybrids. It is not a minor issue.

Ordered one last month without test driving... Now Harry has test driven is for us!

Love Harry´s garage - you know what you are doing - I am seeing myself going back to also watch your historic videos. Thank you for providing your great insides! Just saw how EV´s perform in cold conditions on another every day test - Reach decreases from 100% to 69% - fun fact - all of them! Tesla, Zoe and Hyundai - same!

might be a hybrid but that six sounds lovely

The reviews are getting better and better. Well done Harry

Fantastic ‘H’. Totally comprehensive review of the X5. 👍👏🏻

I don't like how they went from "Kidney grill" to "Council house radiator grill"

I’ve gone from panicking about EV to welcoming EV, things are going to get seriously exciting as the technology develops, great video 👏

I think towing ability of this would also be higher than a full EV. Which is a big selling point too for people who tow occasionally or when towing do mostly longer distances. Great video Harry, like always!

Enjoyable video but the best part is knowing we are just about to get another episode of the V12 rebuild.

GREAT balanced video as always Harry - try the new Merc GLE 350de PHEV, it has a bigger 31kWh battery and 60 mile claimed EV range, 320hp system output, very comfy ride, but interestingly it is a 4-cly diesel, so on long road-trips you're getting great mpg! And on your "regular commute", press the EV button, stay in EV and you'll never use the engine! You say plug-in hybrids have come of age - whereas the government are banning them in 12 years or so - do you think that a bad call, and will put off people changing to EV? And force road-trip customers to frequent the horrid & ineffective public charging network in their BEV's! Best wishes.

My 2020 i8 has the same software and yes it works! Mine has only 11,6 but as it’s much lighter it still does 54 km in real life charge.

How come you only have 305 subscribers Harry, That is crazy. Should be at least 10x more. Quality channel, quality content, highly informative and entertaining

Brilliant review. Straight to the point commentary. Balanced thoughts on facts presented. Love it.

Think this would make a lot of sense partnered with their 2 litre diesel, which gets great economy on motorways.

I really dont like SUVs but this was a good review !

One of the few decent reviews. Congratulations!

Love the technical content, sensible mixed in with a couple of "nuts" squirts...sort of how I drive and enjoy myself daily. thanks Harry.

When are we getting a Harry’s watches channel?

Great review as always. Great car for the first and maybe second owners with plenty of money but after say 6 years old I can see these hybrids being very cheap. I couldn’t afford a new or nearly new one and couldn’t afford to replace the batteries or have the engine rebuilt from all the cold short burst running it will have done. The motoring future for petrol heads like me that don’t want to spend the rest of their lives doing complicated mental arithmetic when ‘enjoying’ their drive is bleak 😔 Your lambo for the win every time. Can’t wait to see the next instalment.

This was 1st class and very informative. Thank you Harry for giving us reviews without sounding like a salesman!

I have a suspicion this situation will not continue. The whole movement of legislation to 2035 is to remove choice and restrict use thereby giving total tax control to the government on transport and fuel supply. Electric tariffs will rise in line with petrol once we are all on the hook only this time no other fuel choice for competition. Your plug charger will be monitored by separate meter and run by local authority or supplier special tariff levy (the cynical additional road tax of cars over 40K EV or not proves the thinking) Enjoy the cost difference while you can it cannot last government revenue is the key driver to all of this hidden behind the mask of ecology improvement.Great vid as always.

Love the Panda in the Stable!

I am still a strong supporter of serial plug-in hybrids: a simpler powertrain with all the advantages of a BEV but smaller batteries and an internal combustion engine (with decent, albeit not great efficency for seldom long distance travel) . Them not being pointless powerful SUVs would surely help as well!

Great review. Conclusion not what I expected. Love the mix of practicality and enthusiasm!

Excellent as ever, thanks Harry! I didn't expect you to review this but, like yourself, I'm massively intrigued by the potential of this car givent he extended (viable) electric range so was very excited when this video popped up! Really informative, unbiased and "real" review. Sadly out of my budget at the moment but I hope to see more on the road. It also preserves the glorious ICE architecture we car enthusiasts (ahem, petrol heads) adore a little longer. That straight-6 is a marvel. I hope to embrace the new tech in the near future!

17:50 when he floors it and you hear the engine start and immediately go to redline! That just doesn't feel right to me

These things are going to be uneconomical to repair at like 7 years old. Super complicated. Plenty of 14 year old E53s still on the road.

Great Review Harry. I have this car in a xDrive30d and LOVE it and always been intrigued by the 45e. Kinda wish I didn't dismiss it now!!!!! EEeeek!

Great summary at the end. Thanks for showing your workings!

Far more efficient than a pure EV, pure EVs, eat away at the electric range on motorways, once above 65/70mph. Its much more efficient to use the engine on motorways, and electric around town and for short commutes, and I think this will be the future, combo vehicles, that have the extended range option. Another plus, is if your journey takes you, to rural location, the engine back up, is a God send, as very few EV chargers are operational there.

I don't know. I am really apprehensive about the future of driving. Living on a terraced street it is impossible for me to charge a hybrid or electric from the house. With the future ban on all petrol, diesels and hybrids I feel like I am being punished for not being wealthy enough to live in a place where charging is possible. If it was possible to charge at home then I would be able to adapt to electric. But electrification is only a small part of my future fears. The issues are cars as a service, automation, tracking, automatic speed limiting, and external generated noises when moving that people will change like ringtones. I worry that, because I am not wealthy, I would not be able to own my own car. I wont be able to enjoy the freedom of driving where I want, when I want, when I go on my photography trips. Maybe I am being paranoid. But I love my car, I enjoy driving. It's my freedom. I feel as if this is being taken away from me, and there is nothing I can do about it.

I've seen the future and it works! Great video, Harry. Thanks!

Great video Harry and very fair, I have owned a few X5s both diesel and a petrol which had been converted to Gas. The petrol was a 3ltr and was great wether running on gas or petrol but without doubt the diesel was both more economical and gutsy than the petrol and did around 30/35 mpg depending on hard you pressed the power pedal. I bought my daughter an X3 Sport 2ltr diesel and that's brilliant on fuel around 42 on a run and she's got a heavy right foot. This X5 looks brilliant but fitting the 3ltr diesel would have made it outstanding on fuel. Whilst you say the price of this X5 is £66,000 and good value not everybody including me cannot afford this sort of money so I'll just have to wait around 10 years till it becomes affordable but I would love one, the trouble is ill be 85 by that time so may not need one anymore, I will stick with my BMW 730 ld for the time being with its £160-00 a year road tax and live in hope that I make it.

Great review and a lovely car! I would also love to see a review of the Mercedes GLE 350de it’s the direct rival to the X5 45e but it has a 4 cylinder Diesel engine that should give you much better economy on longer journeys. You can also fast charge it with up to 60kw at a DC-Fastcharger so you get from 0 to 80% in 20 min ... a comparison would be interesting as well.

Love a bit of Dutch "High Bread!"

Brilliant review! Real clarity, long live black and white. Thank you Harry.

For people with a private place to park, its a much better vehicle than a tesla. Totally agree with harry.

amazing stuff

Can you do a comparison on this to the Mercedes equivalent please. They seem to be closely matched.

It comes with a charge that will work from a 13 amp socket and charge the car overnight. If you have a charge point installed it will charge at 32 amps and they say get to 80% within six hours. First you have to go into settings to adjust the charge rate. I have a charge point on order, due to be fitted later this month.

Best car review I've ever watched. Brilliant. Thank you!

U should test the new MB GLE 350de Hybrid, 99 km EV range, thats around 62 miles EV range. Best regards from Norway

I wonder when you come to sell/trade in if you can tell how many miles the engine has done and how many miles it's done purely on Electric?

Splendid short film sir. I am a trifle out of date and it freaked me out when the LED lit up!

Exhaust sound way better than I expected

I did a bit of number crunching. If the government insists on no ICE cars after 2035 it equates to almost 7,000 new EV being sold EVERY DAY. There is no way this is achievable.

We've had our game thoroughly changed! lol.

Maybe the electric motors and electronics in BMW are more sophisticated than in Range Rover, which makes it possible to expand the range. We old guys are often amazed, Harry, how technology goes ahead (tvs, phones, etc.). Hopefully we will be kept in team and not dropped off the wagon.

Another brilliant review. Real life, impartial and useful. 10/10