The new 2020 BMW X5 will introduce a new model. It is a plug-in hybrid version, xDrive45e, or eDrive vehicle. The SUV entered a new generation, Next season, it doesn’t require big changes outside or inside. The X5 is a modern, fresh vehicle, and the company’s flagship model. However, sales started to slow down, so Bavarian giants decided to offer something new. The redesign brought us the vehicle for the next couple of years.
It was just a matter of time when will BMW add some kind of an electric unit to its legendary SUV. A plug-in hybrid system will boost fuel economy for sure. But, can it match the performance of the conventional units? Specs sheet of the M Sport model is impossible to chase. This is again a high-end model with unique engines and design. We will see if the new 2020 BMW X5 could get a diesel engine. Well, the SUV is using this kind of powertrains outside the US. Regarding the design, the new X5 will be unchanged.
2020 BMW X5 Specs
Under the hood of the 2020 BMW X5 will be a 3.0-liter engine as the base powertrain. This V6 turbo mill is capable to produce 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. 8-speed automatic transmission is a power router that distributes energy to all wheels. That is the famous xDrive system. Towing capacity of the X5 remains at 7,200 pounds. Fuel economy is not among the best in the class. The mid-size premium SUV returns 23 mpg combined.
m50i Engine and M Sport Package
Until the plug-in hybrid system becomes official, the 2020 BMW X5 M Sport model is the king of the class. This exclusive edition is coming with a 4.4-l twin-turbo V8 engine. It delivers 456 hp and 480 pound-feet of twist with the base setup for the regular model. Well, it won’t improve towing capacity, which remains at 7,200 lbs. Also, the m50i engine is sending power to all wheels, but it increases fuel consumption to 19 mpg.
The 2020 BMW X5 M Sport boosts the output to 570 hp and 535 lb-ft. Again, an eight-speed gearbox forwards power to all wheels. The M Sport model will need only 4 seconds to hit 60 mph mark. Top speed of this model is 155 mph. The cost is paid with mpg rating that drops further. X5 M returns only 16 mpg.
X5 is Getting Plug-In Hybrid e-drive Powertrain
Advantages of the plug-in hybrid are numerous. But, when BMW announced the PHEV system for its flagship model, it was questionable – will it boost efficiency or power? Now, we realize. A 3.0-liter engine is the heart of this system. An electric battery will help it achieve nearly 400 hp. The e-drive model also gets a boost of torque. A base configuration needs over 6 seconds to reach 60 mph. PHEV will need 5.5 sec. the battery is large enough to take you 40 miles by using only electric power. In the same case, you will achieve 87 mph as a top speed. The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e is coming out in Europe this year, while the US buyers will have to wait for the next season.
Diesel Engines
Speaking of Europe, buyers of the SUV there will be able to purchase it with a diesel engine. The base setup uses a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine capable to produce 260 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. An I6 engine also gets a quad-turbo treatment for the Euro-spec M Sport model. In this case, the X5 returns 400 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. This version is not as powerful as the one with 4.4 petrol unit since it needs more than 5 seconds for 0-60 sprint. The 2020 BMW X5 diesel is unlikely to happen in the US.
2020 BMW X5 vs Mercedes GLE
Shortly after the big redesign of the BMW X5, Mercedes decided to refresh its GLE Class. So, both SUVs are coming with the new look. We must note that both of them are slightly larger than before. But, neither 2020 BMW X5 nor 2020 Mercedes GLE will lose on maneuvering. Interior of premium mid-size SUVs is very comfortable and they offer 7-seat layout. The technology is on the highest level, so personal preferences of buyers will be decisive. Mercedes GLE responds with a 3.0-liter petrol engine with similar outputs as 2020 BMW X5. We will see what will Mercedes do with its AMG model, and will they accept a challenge from a PHEV X5.
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2020 Mercedes GLE Release Date USA
Release Date
The new 2020 BMW X5 plug-in hybrid is already out on streets. We will have to wait until the end of this year to see it out. European buyers will get it earlier. Without too many changes, the conventional lineup will be in the shadow of the electric model. The price is unknown yet. However, new Drive45e SUV is not more expensive than the M Sport version. The rest of the lineup will keep their prices.