CAR magazine UK compares the plug-in hybrid BMW X5 with the Range Rover and Porsche Cayenne
Finally, big SUVs like the latest BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover are delivering the plug-in hybrid promise of pace combined with good electric range. It’s time to see which one is actually worth your money.The outgoing X5 45e was one of the first PHEV SUVs with a properly impressive electric-only driving range, and this facelifted model boasts even bigger numbers. Fast, efficient, practical and good to drive, it’s a jack of all trades, and close to mastery in a number of those.
With the Sporty member of our trio sorted, it’s time to meet Posh, the Range Rover P440e. Handling takes a back seat to comfort, and it’s very luxurious, while also offering the best e-range of the bunch, at least on paper. It is also a fair bit pricier than the Cayenne. Both the Cayenne and X5 dip below 5.0 seconds for the 0-62mph run, although the BMW feels faster than its 0.1 second advantage would suggest. Its pace is partly down to it having a slightly pokier petrol engine, but the X5 also has the most powerful electric motor on test, at 194bhp and 207Ib ft of torque. It’s enough to surprise at the lights and get up to motorway speeds more comfortably than the other two.
This X5 does without the optional active anti-roll bars and rear-steer; as standard it comes with air suspension and adaptive dampers. Firm springing helps keep the body upright during enthusiastic A-road blasts, and we didn’t really miss four-wheel steering. What you lose in agility you gain in a more natural feel to the drive. Similarly, the X5’s brake pedal feels nicely weighted when you give it a squeeze, avoiding the two-stage braking sensation of the Porsche.
The Range Rover isn’t alone in this, though. Where the previous X5 scored for its user-friendly interior, it’s shifted over to BMW’s newer curved display, removing the row of climate buttons and nabbing most of the space previously occupied by radio controls. While I’m sure BMW would point out the temperature is always at the bottom of the touchscreen, you now have to go into a menu to turn the heated seats and steering wheel on.
Thankfully this facelifted version retains physical controls for the temperature, fan speed and steering wheel. Touch-sensitive icons around them and shortcuts on the infotainment system make navigation easier. Failing that, your passenger can take over certain tasks using their own touchscreen. Overall, it’s a good compromise between usability and faddish button-count reduction.
Both the Cayenne and X5 can take up to 11kW of AC charging current, giving a full charge in a little over two hours. A 7kW charge will take around four hours on both. Some drivers will hope to rarely use the petrol engine, doing most of their trips on e-motor. If you have a charger at work or at home and most of your journeys are local, that’s not unrealistic.
For every kWh you’ll only travel 1.4 miles in the Range Rover. The Cayenne is barely better at 1.5 miles per kWh. The X5 is far superior at 1.9 miles per kWh. In comparison, an average EV will get around 3.0 miles per kWh, an efficient one 4.0 miles per kWh and an exceptional one 5.0 miles per kWh. That’s the penalty for dragging around a heavy combustion engine everywhere.The big plug-in hybrid SUV has come a long way in five years.
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