2021 BMW X5 vs Volvo XC90 review – which is the best plug-in hybrid SUV? | What Car?

The plug-in hybrid BMW X5 gets a massive, game-changing 54-mile pure electric range. Does that mean it absolutely blows the Volvo XC90 out of the water? Or is the Volvo the more complete PHEV SUV overall? Watch to find out: BMW X5 xDrive45e vs Volvo XC90 T8




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Video chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:53 X5 interior
1:27 X5 infotainment
1:46 XC90 infotainment
2:03 XC90 interior
2:53 X5 rear seats
3:26 XC90 rear seats
4:14 Boot comparison
4:51 Pricing
5:33 XC90 vs X5 performance
6:33 Fuel economy and range
7:56 Drive modes
8:46 Charging
9:25 Suspension and ride
10:20 Summary and outro

[whatcar]

Is a claimed 54-mile range enough to make you consider a PHEV? 🤔

[sdowdeng]

We are on our second XC90 T8 R Design (2020). The car is a big improvement on our previous 2017 XC90 T8, with a longer range, 20+miles and better fuel economy at 43 mpg (after 6000 miles). Our current car has the Polestar upgrade which makes a surprising difference to power (408ps), handling, and steering feel. This is a very comfortable place to be, as the car has all options (the B+W is well worth the extra money) - the seats are superb (as are all Volvo seats). Our family of 6, with the youngest being 17 love the extra space available, even in the 3rd row. Overall great car - watch out for pre-registered demo's at reduced prices.

[Indepth-ghge]

I have purchased a BMW 45e and it is just fantastic in the real world - it handles great in all conditions; the electric mode does all the around town running at zero cost; and once on the motorway the petrol engine just flys; if you don't need 7 seats then this is the best all-round SUV to use on a day to day basis

[robj.m.straathof]

I drove both. If you want to drive a car buy the BMW. If you do not mind buy the Volvo.

[rwg]

On my 3rd new shape XC 90, what a car, you set up the controls with your key, in summer you set it up for cool, winter for warm, you don’t touch the controls after that, and the Volvo is just the most calm place to be. Once you have a Volvo, smug face

[princejoel]

Just bought the 2021 BMW X5 xDrive after investigating for some time and test driving multiple vehicles in the same segment. I can say that it’s an amazing ride with a fabulous tech and a well crafted interior. The 3rd row is not as bad as they make it sound but it’s not your daily 7 seater vehicle either.

[tantanman]

XC90 is effectively the old model from 2015, so the fact it stands up so close to the new X5 is impressive!

[TheCubels]

Just to correct the reviewer's statement. You don't need to touch the center screen menus for temperature control on the XC90: JUST USE the voice command function, say "temperature xx" and it changes the settings immediately without needing to touch the menus. I use it all the time.

[MrMarcob]

Volvo still a very good choise considering is a 5 years old model still a competitive car! New xc90 will be presented the end of 2021 so wil be on top again!

[alexlekov]

First time for Volvo- it has firmer suspension than the BMW, and it is presented as a minus to the Volvo! What about the overall design and complexity - once you hit 80k miles your BMW will need a lot more in service and maintenance, did they ever fix the window regulators falling apart? What about the door handles breaking off, so far X5 has not impressed me at all, but a 15 year old XC90, with 7 seats and over 200k miles keeps running strong with little to no maintenance needed, (breaks tires and oil) is this the case with the T8?

[Mike_]

The Swedes 'You can plug it in and chill while it charges up'
The Germans 'What is this Chill?'

[SpecialReserve]

What is seriously missing is the servicing costs, and reliability of the two. Which in fairness is the priority for most people.

[lewisirving]

All the Volvo fan boys spitting out their Latte all over their knitted beige cardigans and cords

[ronniemcdowall]

Thank you for the video chapters time code. Makes life much easier when reviewing and researching particular points.

[jwxujerry]

X5 is a funny choice. You can get an X3 with pretty the same thing but pay quite less. If you need a 7-seater, get an X7. I don't get why anybody would want a X5.

[damedhelink]

I’ve owned both and I must say Volvo XC90 T8 come out far on top ‼️

[royhochstenbach]

Nonsense remark on airco usage on Volvo. Airco works instantly and via voice command you can lower very easily. You can even start your cooling via the app remotely...

[damedhelink]

Volvo is much better,
T8 engine with 430hp and a 4.9 second 0-60mph. Plus Volvo is way more reliable and comfortable, it’s Also much better quality then Bmw, trust me I have both

[damedhelink]

The new Volvo software update eliminates all lag and it’s free at any Volvo dealer 👍

[artyomsyomushkin]

I would like to know how efficient these cars on a long highway trips, where battery charge is not so important, but energy management (like recuperation, electric motor acceleration, power split between petrol and electric engine) are critical.