2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV launched in Malaysia – 394 PS, 77 km electric range, RM441k without SST

2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV launched in Malaysia – 394 PS, 77 km electric range, RM441k without SST

The latest plug-in hybrid BMW X5, the G05 BMW X5 xDrive45e, has finally been launched in Malaysia following today’s livestream debut. The outgoing F15 xDrive40e was a wildly popular model here – helping the X5 account for more than a quarter of all BMW X models sold in Malaysia last year – and this one seeks to extend the success story.

Continuing to benefit from import and excise duty incentives for electrified vehicles, the xDrive45e M Sport is priced at RM440,745 on-the-road without insurance and the sales and service tax (RM448,800 with SST). The actual recommended retail price of the vehicle is RM595,382, but energy efficient vehicle (EEV) incentives help bring it down to RM448,800, a reduction of RM146,582. Additional sales tax (SST) exemption lops off another RM8,055, resulting in the final figure above.

Comparing the like-for-like SST pricing, the car is RM58,000 more expensive than its predecessor, but it still represents a RM170,000 saving over the petrol-powered xDrive40i, which has since been discontinued.

2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV launched in Malaysia – 394 PS, 77 km electric range, RM441k without SST

Most of the price increase likely stems from the new powertrain. The xDrive45e jettisons the old N20 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in favour of a B58 3.0 litre straight-six, here detuned slightly compared to the one in the xDrive40i. On its own, it makes 286 PS from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and 450 Nm from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm – a deficit of 54 PS, but with the same amount of torque.

Helping to more than make up the difference is the electric motor, sandwiched between the engine and the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, as usual. It lends an additional 113 PS and 265 Nm, resulting in a total system output of 394 PS and a thumping 600 Nm. For those keeping score at home, this is exactly the same setup as the 740Le (745Le in other markets), although the “45e” part of the moniker has been retained here.

With an 81 PS and 150 Nm advantage over its predecessor, the all-wheel-drive xDrive45e sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds (more than a second quicker) on its way to a top speed of 235 km/h. Fuel consumption, on the other hand, is rated at just 2.5 litres per 100 km/h on the NEDC combined cycle.

Click to enlarge.

The lithium-ion battery has also been uprated – at 24 kWh, its capacity is nearly triple that of the old car, so the pure electric range has risen commensurately to 77 km, up from just 30 km before. Charging times have also been increased, however, now sitting at six hours and 50 minutes with a BMW i Wallbox (with a 3.7 kW output) and 10 hours and 30 minutes using the supplied charger and a three-pin, 240-volt domestic socket. As is the case for all BMW plug-in hybrids, the xDrive45e uses a Type 2 connector for charging.

Another area affected by the battery is the boot, which is 150 litres smaller than its petrol sibling at 500 litres, although the 40:20:40-split rear seats can still be folded to increase cargo capacity to 1,750 litres. The battery intrusion also means that the xDrive45e misses out on the xDrive40i’s cool power-sliding cargo cover.

On to the standard equipment, which is identical to the xDrive40i save from a few additions and omissions. Starting from the outside, the car gets adaptive LED headlights with matrix high beam, LED fog lights, the M Sport package, M Sport brakes with blue callipers, 20-inch star-spoke Style 740 M two-tone alloy wheels and satin aluminium trim instead of the usual gloss black.

Also fitted is keyless entry with the new contactless locking and unlocking feature that allows you to unlock the car by approaching it, and lock it by walking away. The BMW Display Key is also included, as is the BMW Digital Key that allows selected Samsung smartphones to be used as the key.

Step inside and you’ll find Fineline Stripe glossy wood trim (instead of aluminium), black Vernasca leather upholstery, power-adjustable sports seats with driver’s side memory, four-zone climate control, a panoramic glass sunroof and a hands-free powered split tailgate.

Also fitted here is the range-topping BMW Live Cockpit Professional infotainment system, with twin 12.3-inch displays for instruments and infotainment as well as the Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control. You also get a 14-speaker, 464-watt Harman Kardon sound system, a Qi wireless smartphone charger and a Rear Seat Entertainment system with a Blu-ray player and twin 10.2-inch touchscreens.

2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV launched in Malaysia – 394 PS, 77 km electric range, RM441k without SST

One big upgrade concerns the suspension, with the xDrive45e receiving air suspension on both the front and rear axles. This is not only a step up on the xDrive40i’s adaptive dampers, but also an improvement over the outgoing xDrive40e’s air suspension setup, which was only fitted to the rear axle.

In terms of safety, the xDrive45e continues to be offered with the Driving Assistant package, which includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring. There is still no adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, but the plug-in hybrid does get an upgraded Parking Assistant Plus package.

Aside from enabling the usual autonomous parking manoeuvres, this package also adds on a 360-degree camera system (instead of a simple reverse camera) and the Reversing Assistant that enables the car to recall the last 50 metres in reverse.

The X5 xDrive45e M Sport is available in four exterior colours – Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire, Mineral White and Arctic Grey.

The X5 xDrive45e comes with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, a five-year free service package and a two-year tyre warranty. It also gets the new eight-year/160,000 km plug-in hybrid battery warranty, which is a significant upgrade over the previous six-year/100,000 km warranty. Also available is a balloon financing plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, offering monthly instalments starting from RM5,028 with an 80% loan and a five-year tenure.

Additionally, a number of optional M Performance parts are available for the car, all at special introductory prices. These consist of carbon-fibre air inlets for the front bumper (RM1,646), carbon-fibre side mirror caps (RM1,934) and a carbon-fibre rear diffuser (RM6,608). Also on the options list are 20-inch star-spoke jet black matte 748M-20 wheels (RM26,247) as well as side decals and side skirt film in Frozen Black.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Hpjet on Jun 17, 2020 at 12:26 pm

    (Like) BMW X5 Hybrid
    (Dislike) Mercedes Benz Gle

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 217 Thumb down 152
    • Kimsai Mum on Jun 20, 2020 at 4:56 pm

      With sir suspension again. You will send your X5 to workshop every 3 months

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 14
      • Kumasi Dad on Jun 21, 2020 at 10:24 am

        Oh, are you Honda Salesman. Must be you didn’t owned BMW before

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • M & B on Jun 17, 2020 at 12:27 pm

    RM441k. Good price.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 45 Thumb down 6
  • Dayum on Jun 17, 2020 at 12:31 pm

    Good looking car with well equipped specs

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 3
  • Battery mahal gila

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 43
    • EDITOR on Jun 17, 2020 at 2:19 pm

      Warranty not the same as replacement. You have to pay for it.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 20
    • Buzzar on Jun 18, 2020 at 8:34 am

      After launching the new eight-year or 160,000 km PHEV battery for plug-in hybrid battery for PHEV models, it gives cheaper warranty that PHEV is more benefits

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
      • Warranty doesn’t cover wear & tear, you still need to replace it at your own cost, and by then you cry bro.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 12
        • You should cry because cant afford to upgrade to newer X5 given the 8 years battery warranty.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • cleanenergy101 on Jun 17, 2020 at 12:45 pm

    Isn’t the driving package included as standard? Saw that on the website configurator and brochure, listing that it includes the BMW copilot and a lot of assistance features

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 1
    • Not Mechanically Inclined on Jun 17, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      BMW’s “Driving Assistant” is included but that’s a BIG difference compared to their “Driving Assistant Plus”. We only get the former variant. It only allows autonomous emergency braking in ‘city speeds’ and (if not mistaken) anything faster you’d just get warnings.

      We don’t get a radar sensor nor the triple (i kid you not) front facing camera layout which is needed to have adaptive cruise control, high speed autonomous emergency braking, and lane keeping (not just departure) assist. It’s also a shame because BMW’s traffic jam assistant (also omitted) actually allows drivers to not need to put their hands on the steering wheel so long as they keep their eyes on the road (an infrared camera monitors your eyes.

      Of course, we can’t be too picky but it bothers me that BMW chose to include other non-essential equipment if their justification of omitting safety/convenience systems was because of price (I’m looking at you, rear entertainment screens)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 34 Thumb down 42
      • Red Elevyn on Jun 18, 2020 at 8:02 am

        At least bmw malaysia gives complete car such as Driving Assistant Package (high safety features) and Equipment Features.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 4
        • cleanenergy101 on Jun 18, 2020 at 10:29 am

          To be honest, the XC-90 is a better buy over this in terms of equipment. XC-90 has 7 seats, the full suite of safety systems, PILOT assist(radar cruise control), Bowers and Wilkins sound system. The best of all, it is 40k cheaper than this despite all the extra equipment!!

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 23
          • environmentfan on Jun 18, 2020 at 10:52 am

            How can XC90 compare with X5 PHEV. Anyways, I know that XC90 is a better buy. But to be honest, even since it is cheaper, X5 comes with good specs with hybrid engine that cost cheaper than CBU. This is also better buy compare to expensive GLE that cost rm600k. Even BMW and Volvo design looks so much better than Mercedes including reliability too

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
          • cleanenergy101 on Jun 18, 2020 at 1:09 pm

            Haha I’m comparing them as they’re competitors. But then,I’d rather get the X5 than the XC90….Sure, I said myself that it is a better buy but tbh the X5 looks way nicer…..and is worth the extra 40k as you’re getting a lot of premium stuff and most importantly , it is more reliable than the volvo and has better after sales support! After all,the point to bring is this 45e variant was a) to expand the PHEV market in Malaysia b) to get incentice from gov to reduce the price so that it is more accesible to people and will have a lot of sales.The original 40i was really expensive at 618k and not many ppl can afford that tbh…..That aside, I’m looking forward to test drive one in the near future and am considering to purchase it.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 3
      • cleanenergy101 on Jun 18, 2020 at 10:20 am

        Sry for the confusing comment. Just went on to the BMW UK website to compare and found out that the Radar Cruise Control is only available in the Driving Assistance PLUS pack. Actually, I bet a lot of ppl won’t mind if the price was ard 460k to include the Driving Assitance Plus as there will be semi-autonomous features included. Sadly, we can’t be picky on specs in Malaysia as we are limited.And yes, I’d rather choose the driving assistance plus package over other equipment. Another feature which is committed are the LaserLights….Yes a bit unnecessary but it looks gorgeous!! (dunno how much it costs )

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 7
        • environmentfan on Jun 18, 2020 at 10:57 am

          Everything looks gorgeous and yes specs looks great in Malaysia. I understand that by bringing here, most of the companies rip some of the safety specs for sure but mostly they all give high specs safety for most of the models and good features that able to enjoy.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • thefutureiselectric on Jun 17, 2020 at 1:30 pm

    Hmm….a 440k car without adaptive cruise control…even the cheaper XC90 has that feature….what a bummer….other than that the features are very wholesome and are welcomed

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 39 Thumb down 4
    • What do you mean XC90? Even the 250k XC40 has adaptive cruise control WITH steering assist.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 1
      • seancorr (Member) on Jun 17, 2020 at 10:09 pm

        If you really want to compare then even the X70 has it….

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 2
      • thefutureiselectric on Jun 18, 2020 at 10:24 am

        Let’s not talk Volvo then, because even the Mazda CX-30 has it, oh and don’t forget the CRV and CIVIC. Cannot really compare with the X70 because the X70 only has adaptive cruise control, which this X5 also has

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
      • Thefutureiselectric on Jun 18, 2020 at 10:40 am

        Then we should talk about the Mazda CX30 which has radar cruise control too…..and don’t forget the Honda CRV, Civic and Accord

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Datuk on Jun 18, 2020 at 8:15 am

      ToYoTa RaV4 have DCC full speed auto follow lane keep cruising, stopStop & autoGo and Proton X70 has ACC limited following causing, lane keep warning.

      Better buy X70 and RaV4

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • Not Mechanically Inclined on Jun 17, 2020 at 1:34 pm

    Quite a good list of specs but honestly, what kind of person would say “No, I don’t want adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assistant or the likes but what I want is two tablets in the rear for my kids to look at while they find games on their iPads”. Why, BMW Malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 38 Thumb down 3
  • What is their reason for fitting two ugly but expensive tablets at the rear but not including driving assistant professional????? Buyers who can afford this are not that backwards okay.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 34 Thumb down 33
  • Seriously, no one gives a damn about those two pathetic screens at the back!!! We want a car with semi-autonomous driving capabilities!!!! Is that too much to ask for BMW Malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 39 Thumb down 33
  • Bieight on Jun 17, 2020 at 2:30 pm

    Air suspension not suitable for bolehland roads

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 37
  • So when X3 PHEV or 3 Series PHEV

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
    • Bmw fans on Jun 18, 2020 at 9:38 am

      And also for LCI 5 series PHEV too.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • razibar on Jul 03, 2020 at 3:20 pm

      for BMW X3 phev, it is already mentioned in other auto reviews that it will have 180 hp ICE together with the electric motor. remember the battery weighs 200kg. you’re actually driving with 3 or 4 persons in your car everytime you drive PHEV if you are running our of electric juice. they dont mention you this in this article. frnakly, the technology is not there yet, i would rather wait for more powerful and lighter batteries

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Goodis on Jun 17, 2020 at 5:28 pm

    16 Harman loudspeakers, not 14 as in the article

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1
  • Safety first on Jun 17, 2020 at 5:42 pm

    No active cruise control at that price? Am I the only one that see this as an important issue?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 37
    • Well, Maybe some think that active cruise control not important while importantly for passive and advanced safety features

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
    • John Doe on Jun 19, 2020 at 11:27 pm

      Yup you’re right, no adaptive cruise is basically UNACCEPTABLE at this price point and especially it being the year 2020. Seems like the guy who specs this car at BMW Malaysia is a dimwit. Good car but the slumped on the specs why ohh why

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr (Member) on Jun 17, 2020 at 10:12 pm

    Alamak no ACC means owners will have to to to 3rd party installers to install one which may void the warranty.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 5
  • I still find XC90 is a better deal.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 11
  • Goodness how bad the rear can be? Korean car Kah?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 19
    • But looks better and offering full specs

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
      • Datuk on Jun 19, 2020 at 7:59 am

        Full spec not even have dynamic or the lower spec adaptive cruising.
        Macam mana ni..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • AZAMIRUDDIN AHMAD on Jun 18, 2020 at 7:32 am

    XC60 T8 way more cheaper, but with way more features and goodies. Good luck BMW.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 8
  • Jingle Bell on Jun 18, 2020 at 7:45 am

    BMW all the way

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Sabun on Jun 18, 2020 at 8:22 am

    Definitely will sell well

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Sanctuary on Jun 18, 2020 at 8:42 am

    PHEV will make better attractive to most buyers

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Prolite on Jun 18, 2020 at 9:00 am

    Tahniah BMW Malaysia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Oh Dear on Jun 18, 2020 at 9:03 am

    These beemer haters are from mercedes salesmen

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • lenovo on Jun 18, 2020 at 9:25 am

    This would be another success story of new X5

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • razibar on Jul 03, 2020 at 3:17 pm

    you failed to mention that the battery alone weighs 200kg!!!. just imagine when you’re out electric juice (if u r staying in condo even worse) and it co go only 70km on paper, you are actually driving with at least 3 persons in your car ( assuming 3 people weighs 200 kg). that will hurt your tires man!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • meant to be use as a hybrid to get full benefit, if you have charging facilities then you’d be able to use full electric around town

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • AFMGT YT on Jul 04, 2021 at 4:49 am

    3.7kW on board charger is not that practical. but i guess potential buyers will be plugging in at home more than 10 hours per day. what is the real world electric range in our climate?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • geoff on Apr 07, 2022 at 3:40 pm

      I get about 50km per charge with city driving. So far I have completed 1200km of which 1100km has been full electric.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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