The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e Plug-in Hybrid: 4 Things We Like, 4 Things We Don’t

[@rjacksonappraisal]

I test drove the car , no jerky transition from ice to Hybrid -O. Watched a lot of reviews regarding the car and none mention the power train issue . Perhaps the one he was testing is a lemon?

[@canertogan6462]

Same here, no issues at all. It is very smooth. Also the brakes are working well.

[@omarrico4943]

I’ve owned for 6 months and confirm this issue exists. Biggest fault in an otherwise stellar experience.

[@dgdave2673]

I own a 45e and absolutely imperceptible transitioning from electric to gas to back, no transmission jerks. Logically it can’t be as both the EV motor and the gas drive the same gear train inline unlike a Volvo where the transmission for gas engine and EV motors are not connected at all mechanically! This guys seem to have got one with some issue…

[@pd570]

I have had mine for 6 months--super smooth powertrain--do you really think BMW would put out a crappy powertrain???

[@pete23234]

@@pd570 I have mine as you can see on my page...0 jerky transition. In fact it is so silky smooth you cant even notice it lol...Guy must have thought he was in the 4 cylinder GLE PHEV or something lol

[@robertw.1499]

That transition between the combustion and electric modes is flawless. Don't know what you're talking about.

[@lucazanotta1743]

His foot stuck between gas and brake pedal? Never heard about this issue…

[@kiwi335d]

Looks like he was stomping on the gas pedal while not in sport mode, causing the engine to fire up and suddenly have to provide maximum power, which is not how you should operate this type of vehicle. If you want sudden bursts of power, you should be driving in sport mode, which keeps the engine running constantly and then it will drive effortlessly and smoothly with power to spare.

[@auburnalum9019]

Perhaps because his fat feet are the size of a honey baked ham may have something to do with it. I have had no issues.

[@zachpoirier9157]

I think there was something wrong with the powertrain of your test vehicle. I've owned my X5 50e for three months now and the transition on my car is very smooth, sometimes I'm not even sure which mode I'm in. I did have the same problem with the wireless CarPlay and phone connectivity. But there was an over the air update around 4 weeks ago and I haven't had the problem since. Regen braking does take some getting used to, but it's not as aggressive as single pedal drive like in full EVs.

[@luccoppens]

join the club I hav mine now 3 mouths and its very smooth and sporty when wanted

[@davidbarnes6997]

I wonder if I just got lucky because my 50e is seamless and buttery smooth in transition to ICE (the same for the tester I drove that convinced me to order one). If I have the music up at all so I don't actually hear the sound of the ICE, the only way I am aware of the transition is by looking at the screen. I have not had any problems with CarPlay or phone connectivity. The regen and breaking is intuitive once you've driven it a day or two. I test drove quite a few competitors before deciding on the X5 50e and none of them came close to changing my mind. The 516 lb-ft of torque on hand for some "throw you back in your seat" acceleration doesn't hurt either. :)

[@travwill]

Nice video but have to chime in also with 1) the transition/hybrid powertrain is awesome, yes it has a gearbox so it shifts but that's nice versus those CVT experiences, etc. 2) the adaptive braking is awesome, love how they did it versus just all the time pure heavy regen - you learn to like it a lot! 3) agree, quality is great, its quiet, and feels nice. 4) the tech is well done overall, never had any issues, AA always works fine, etc. 5). seeing about 45-50 miles of EV range here usually with some pretty heavy freeway/rural driving at times.

[@Tmtcy-hy3zo]

i've driven my X5 50E for 1500 miles , it is the most silky smooth power train in electric mode. In hybrid mode the adaptive braking is not as predictable as electric only. Electric only truly drives like a BEV, Furthermore when stuck in traffic the X5 50E is a savior because it is so linear and so silky smooth. I have no idea how this reviewer had these problems , perhaps he had a lemon i am unsure . I rave about the electric motors smoothest and silkiest ever.

[@anthonym9470]

My parents have had the 50e for about 2 months now. They love it! Yes the climate controls are stupid integrated in the screen but coming from a Tesla it’s actually not bad. There is no jerkiness in the powertrain I have noticed driving it or being in the car as a passenger. Very weird

[@DavidMoody-h2v]

The trasition from ICE to electric is silky smooth in the 50e. The torque is amazing as well. Very quiet and very smooth with thte 20 inch 740m wheels and the runflats. Larger wheels give a little road noise.

[@osbjmg]

Good to know the motor to gas engine integration is actually smooth. Curious you mention larger wheels being quieter. Typically the thinner the sidewall, the louder the wheels in terms of transmitting road noise to the drivetrain and the cabin. Tread makes air noise too so that can be a factor. But I've never considered bigger wheels quieter.

[@isherpa]

Interesting complaint about the powertrain and the electric to ICE switch. no other videos on 50e say this is a problem, or have heard this to be a problem at scale.

[@LenFlecha]

50e driver here, it is not jerky at all.

[@luccoppens]

same here 🙂

[@davethewave32]

Just test a 24’ M50e and there is absolutely no jerkiness at all. The ride was so seamless I had no idea it was transitioning between hybrid and gas, except hearing the glorious B58 come to life.

[@dgdave2673]

Dude, go get another one and test it again.

[@The_action_is_the_juice]

You need to revisit another 50e for longer. I love the adaptive regen. Makes for one pedal driving when coming up behind cars. Also, it slows you to the current speed limit if you let off at a higher speed. The transition from electric to ice is so smooth, 98% of the time you cannot even tell the engine started. I have 5500 miles on mine. They better put this drivetrain in the X7 if they are smart.

[@2driverpls652]

The rental car agency ran out of cars and I ended up with a BMW X5. Smoothest car I have ever driven. I didn’t even realize it was a hybrid until I turned it in. The only issue was sensitive brakes. But after driving a few hours I had it under control. Awesome vehicle.

[@jeffanowill]

Wow. What a surprise. Accurate with regards the climate controls. But the electric/combustion transition is seamless, as is the use of CarPlay?!? I’ve used my 50e daily since July and just don’t recognise some of the observations

[@JeffASpranger]

I have heard that some people have initial problems with the CarPlay but that updates normally fix it. I agree that the transition from electric to hybrid is seamless, so he may have gotten a lemon or just wasn't fair about it. Try the Mercedes and you'll truly see problems with the hybrid transition.

[@bashsohal46]

Had the same issue on a demo X5, just couldn’t get CarPlay to work!

[@peacedude777]

All I see is stomach

[@nunohannover]

50e owner here….somehow your unit was not running properly…..I haven’t seen any other review/test speaking about it as well

[@CedricLafaix]

None of my clients have felt that way either about the powertrain. Apple Car Play not an issue either. Climate controls need to be briefly explained other than that It's an amazing PHEV in more ways than one

[@6SpeedTA95]

Issue with car play is sporadic and firmware specific in my experience. It’s unfortunately fairly common for BMW to release firmware that then causes issues with car play.

[@caryhauser3253]

Hmm I have had mine for couple weeks and it seems very smooth to me, in fact I have had to really pay attention to tell if and when the engine turns on. Also turn off adaptive braking (regeneration) and the brakes work more normal.

[@bashfullJ88]

The best SUV on market.

[@Rumblingbelly]

Really seems like it is. No range anxiety with this model.

[@321ReyLopez]

Absolutely agree with the 4 things you stated you like. But don't agree with any of the 4 you didn't like. The breaking system is bad to the bone and really smart too, way better than the so called "one pedal driving", Try it in Sport Mode and do 60-0 MPH. AC works fine, and you will learn how to the interface, and will start realizing how much better than other systems it is. The 50e transitions super smoothly from Electric to ICE, If you want to drive it hard, use Sport Mode. There was connectivity issues with Android and Apple phones. But that was resolved back in July by BMW with a SW update.

[@Caldwell1234]

We appreciate your review and perspective on this vehicle and it’s powertrain which was articulated very well however every comment is in opposition to your very review based on their personal experience with the vehicle or from numerous other people. Perhaps there was fault in the particular vehicle that you tested.

[@leekindell9937]

I must have driven a different car today then. Weird I test drove one today was so impressed how smooth it was transitioning between electric and petrol. No jerking at all like you mention. Most reviews I watch say the same as me. Weird. Maybe it’s your driving or a bad car. And the brakes were fantastic and no issues there. So any of you watching this just go drive one and ignore his comments as they aren’t valid.

[@6SpeedTA95]

Is it possible this vehicle had a bad firmware or preproduction load? I’d like an update from you guys on this car. Having owned and driven many BMWs I did not notice any issues on my drive and ride in a 50e. The integration was seamless with the drivetrain. Climate controls suck compared with my i4 and BMW definitely has periodic issues getting phones to reliably connect. Please test again or post a link to updated tests that are written articles.

[@dgdave2673]

I own a 45e and absolutely imperceptible transitioning from electric to gas to back, no transmission jerks. Logically it can’t be as both the EV motor and the gas drive the same gear train inline unlike a Volvo where the transmission for gas engine and EV motors are not connected at all mechanically! This guys seem to have got one with some issue…

[@dudeasp1]

Great review Santa!

[@patatr4943]

when seeing the comments, not really...

[@JohnLyons-n4m]

It's jerky because you are in eco pro, the dash is blue, its absolutely fine when in normal hybrid or sport. Before you make sweeping statements first read the manual.

[@luccoppens]

it indicates on the dash bleu in hybride from 50% power + the 6 cylinder kicks in for more power ! When in electric the (blue) indicates up to 65% power and the engine will kick in this is normale made for ev city driving ! Swift it in to sport and you get the best of both electric torc and that 6 cylinder all ad one push of button ! It simply is a great car for drivers not a bus on wheels LOL

[@shoaibahmed34]

Great video and i love the constructive criticism of the plug in hybrid powertrain. I am glad i got the 2023 version. I"m not too fond of the new interior and exterior design. Can' you please change the background music to something else as it is quite distracting and almost sounds like i'm hearing notifications on my phone.

[@marka529]

I had the 45e, and now the 50e. These points are spot on, although I've lucked out with relative few phone connectivity problems. Even though the transition to ICE is still pretty seamless, the 45e was silky smooth, if one is making a comparison.

[@nater-u1n]

The guy is obviously trying to create bad press for x5 50e or just is an idiot at driving! I can't believe how good this car drives given how complex the drive train is. Just the B58 engine alone is ridiculous, now add all this hybrid tech and smarts to balance and integrate the two. Mind blowing!

[@garyhoncoop8217]

You are so wrong about the transition between electric and combustion drive. YOU THE DRIVER IS THE PROBLEM, NOT THE CAR. You were "loaned" a car for maybe a few hrs. That's not enough time for the car to intuitively learn how you drive and adjust accordingly to your doing style. I have had my X5 5Oe now for 4 months and it is silky smooth. Totally amazing!! Also electrical use per mile is very good as well as gasoline fuel consumption is improved.

[@babakbozorgnia9174]

You are way off. I have not heard any of these from anyone. Drove one and none of these issues existed.

[@glennduncan6843]

X5's always a great car. But PHEV is problematic in any make and is here. You did not mention the woefully long time it takes to recahrge the battery. Listed as 10.5 hours on a standard 240v plug. So what happens when miles from home and parked in Motel? You need a 400 Kilometre long extension lead.

[@Michael-he2pw]

Then just use the engine and carry on with your life

[@deebo17]

great review my guy!

[@ganouyang]

BMW x5 xdrive50e back seat leg room too tight. Compare Leg Room Front/Rear: BMW x5 xdrive50e:39.4/37.4 vs. GLE 450e 40.3/40.9 vs. Honda Fit: 41.4/39.3

[@arindambiswas1947]

Like: Family Pack. Dislike: it’s not shown.

[@nostalgicosanonimos7101]

How much are you being paid to trash BMW?

[@luccoppens]

It's a marvelous car (suv) . It is a drivers/sporty car ! Gentil on the trotle . Or go in full sport and enjoy the ride ! Do not put full weight on trotle , it will move ! Jerky learn to drive or continu driving a big bulky bus (Truck) .

[@jeffchen8178]

it is true, i just received 2024 X5 Xdrive50e, 3 week, the transition between electric & gas engine is not as smooth as my wife's 2023 XC60 plug in. but both are powerful and enjoy to drive. I also own Model Y, I would say the Cell APP , Tesla is the the best ( BMW phone APP is not user friendly )

[@JeffASpranger]

This guy is either crazy or he drove a lemon. My 2024 50e is extremely smooth in the drive and transition from electric to hybrid. He is right about the climate controls ... but I set and forget them, so not really a big issue to me.

[@SoniyaKhan-e8l]

Garcia David White Laura Clark Brian

[@kmstronski4742]

Complains about small icon but look at them fat fingers, come on dude.

[@gestebu]

Worst soundtrack to an auto review ever.

[@a3chowdh]

The guy is talking outta his ass

[@freshmantle1876]

His stomach was Jerky and Unstable and he blamed the bmw

[@xliu37]

I don’t like bmw screen, feels like afterthought

[@craigsneddon6556]

This motoring journalist has no fucking idea what he is talking about.

[@Scorpio1075]

BMW should be embarrassed that their vehicles are getting worse to drive not better.

[@virginiacurry2423]

Brooklyn grey is hy we left. Sucks

[@virginiacurry2423]

No plug in crap. Hybrid only

[@freshmantle1876]

It's not the car it's you. You are jerky and not smooth