New xDrive45e model boasts more power, performance and all-electric driving range.
Does it replace today’s 40e model?
The xDrive45e you see here in official pictures is the latest plug-in hybrid version of the G05-coded X5, just revealed recently before global sales start toward the end of this year.
The 45e effectively supersedes the 40e model of the F15-designated X5 and has been tagged with the iPerformance moniker due to its bigger heart and more eco-friendly road manners.
Unlike the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-turbo engine in the 40e, the 45e employs the brand’s bigger 3.0-litre inline-six. An improved lithium-ion battery with higher energy storage also features in the 45e.
Eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive transmission are the familiar bits being shared with the 40e and 45e.
How does it fare with rivals?
The 45e produces a combined 394hp of power and goes from 0-100kph in 5.6sec; the 40e has figures of 313hp and 6.8sec.
But the more crucial aspect is the all-electric driving range which has nearly trebled to 80km. Top speed in this mode has increased from 120kph to 140kph.
Today’s Mercedes-Benz GLE500e also has a 3.0-litre six-pot coupled with a plug-in hybrid but is more powerful and quicker with ratings of 449hp and 5.3sec. The Volvo XC90 T8 featuring 408hp 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid is equally as fast as the Bimmer.
Although the 45e isn’t the quickest around, it has the best pure electric driving range as the GLE500e does just over 30km and T8 50km.
How much will the 45e cost?
The 40e goes for 4.399 million baht and an extra 300k for the M Sport outfit. Although the 45e is a significantly improved car, it should still cost less than 5 million baht when sales start next year due to new perks for electrified vehicles given out by the Thai government.
As said earlier, the X5 with regular combustion engines would arrive on Thai shores later this year first. The most likely variant is the diesel-powered 30d.
