2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e Plug-in Hybrid - POV Review

Range: 30 mi battery-only
MSRP: From $63,700
Towing capacity: 5,952 lbs
Horsepower: 389 hp
Torque: 443 lb-ft
0-60: 5.3 seconds
Curb weight: 5,646 lbs
Dimensions: 194″ L x 79″ W x 69″ H

The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones, headphones are highly recommended!

0:00 Walkaround
8:04 POV Driving Impressions
22:58 Harman Kardon sound system test
25:09 Final thoughts

Here's the equipment I use (with affiliate links):

I'm also the producer for the Winding Road YouTube Channel:

Thanks for watching!

[uvalera]

I just installed a 240 Splitvolt charger that I hook up to my dryer’s 240 outlet. I get my 2022 X5 xdrive 45e fully charged in about 6 hours at level 2. Love this car

[dexter]

This car is so exquisite, very very luxurious...thanks for the ride Topher!

[addyaxel]

Just ordered mine in Phytonic Blue, cognac interior and M package, can't wait. Thanks for your review.

[aizen]

Great POV review, yours helped me decide and I pulled the trigger on one of these. Your review was very helpful in these times because on the lot 45e's are just about impossible to find for test drives. Love the purchase. Great channel and you have a great natural narration and speaking character.

[camro]

Loved the way you drove her into those corners to le us see just how she handles. I own a 5 series M sport, and I'm thinking on purchasing this exact model for our next vehicle. I needed to see exactly how much fun one can still have in a vehicle like this. I do understand that it's not a 5 series and won't ever handle as one. Yet I couldn't believe the way you could throw her into the corners and still be excited. Thank you for a very informative driving experience.Im sold on one thanks to you. 😃

[DutchManticore]

I want to thank the first owner of my X5 45e for going completely nuts on the option list and taking a massive 58k depreciation allowing me to buy it for 58k.

Delivery in a week. Cant waait

[williamlong]

Makes me miss my old E53 5-speed!😢 Glad BMW stepped the plug-in hybrid up to an I-6 for these larger models. Far more befitting of a midsize/full-size luxury driving experience.

[meowmi]

Prob my fave review about X5 after I watched a handful. You covered all the key points in a very efficient way, there was no BS, no chit-chatting about the weather that makes me want to FF. I like how you handle the zoom in and out’s. Lastly I love your voice 😆

[josephmitchell]

Topher, I know this is not a Veloster N video, but thanks to your 21 Veloster N review I went ahead and bought one and let me tell you: I love this thing! Keep up the great content truly

[moriomislam]

Whenever anyone wants to ride a car, i suggest The Topher

[florinvid]

Bought this car and I love it! Thank you for the nice review, it's always so pleasant to watch you.

[KC_Smooth]

I’m a new Mercedes owner, but this dark black/blue is my favorite looking color on a vehicle.

[BlueEyed]

There’s one thing which owners of this vehicle should be told about the audio system which the manual does not mention and even my dealership’s “Tech Guru” didn’t know. The vehicle will play FLAC files. Old dinosaurs like me who still own audio CDs should know that although there is no option to play your discs through the cars audio system, there IS a way to listen to your music in its original CD sound quality in the car - not just the reduced sound quality of Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, etc.

If you have Windows10 or later running on a PC with a disc drive, you can convert your CDs to FLAC files and then copy them - optimally no more than about 99 of them - onto a single USB thumb drive WHICH you can then plug into the USB port in this vehicle which is located between the front cupholders and it actually works! I have verified this, it also can include the album artwork and track names for display on the infotainment display.

[fredrik]

Hi! I love ut vids, could you please start showcasing the sunroof? Opening and closing the hatch, would love it. keep it up.

[Realmuto]

Chris! I enjoy watching YouTube. I live in Seoul, Korea and I have subscribed to thetopher channel for a long time. I think thetopher channel is the best than other car YouTube channels! Helping while driving is very helpful and thank you so much! I'm not good at English, so I wrote it in a hurry. Thank you~

[DailyMotor]

TheTopher: Well done BMW, stick with it.
BMW: We present the new BMW iX.
TheTopher:

[lawrence.centinales]

ambient lighting look nice i usually prefer mercedes on that but bmw is doing there thing

[brandonz.]

Great review as always! Love BMW, and the X5. So luxurious on the inside and great looking overall. But, I guess they don’t offer heated and cooled cup holders right now? That’s usually included with the Executive Package.

[sarg]

@TheTopher a bit misinformation regarding charging times. while the 45e has a 24kWh battery, only 71% is usable in the US (17.1kWh). that being said, with a level 2 EVSE (240V) charging at 16A, a full charge from empty takes around 6h (adding in losses such as heat during the charging process). however in the EU, their usable capacity is 90% of 24kWh (21.6kWh), and with their standard 220V outlets, charging from empty to full takes around 10-11h. maybe that's where u 'heard' it from? (15h is plain incorrect, though!)

[milosusa]

We just get 2023 model and empty battery to full charge on level 2 charger is about 5 hours . I changed the input in car setting for battery charging to 16 amp. I assume the car would regulated charging input, if is too much. Still learning what for those all buttons actually are LOL, but we really like it.