2023 BMW X5 Hybrid

The BMW X5 is a staple of the German manufacturer's SUV lineup and has been around since 1999. Now in its fourth generation, the BMW X5 comes with a wide range of powertrain options, including the X5 Hybrid. The hybridized version of the popular sports activity vehicle combines two things American shoppers love most - frugality at the pumps and performance from under the hood. It comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six plug-in hybrid setup producing a chunky 389 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. This gives the X5 Hybrid the ability to sprint to 60 mph in only 5.3 seconds while maintaining a combined 50 MPGe gas mileage figure. What's more, this Hybrid offers 30 miles of all-EV range to sweeten the deal. But competitors to the BMW X5 Hybrid are excellent in their own right, with the Volvo XC90 Recharge and Lexus RX Hybrid oozing elegance and capability, too. So is it worth sticking with the German offering?

The BMW X5 Hybrid is a great car to drive and offers much-improved handling over the last generation. The ride is supple, controlled, and confidence-inspiring, but we wouldn't call it sporty. The steering feel has improved, too - it's more direct but still lacks feel that would make it a more exciting vehicle to drive. Thankfully there's enough power to make up for the lack of feedback under your palms. This SUV loves launching out of corners, and oodles of torque on tap makes it a joy to pilot in the city and out on the open road. When entering a set of fast corners, the X5 Hybrid will cling on with surprising tenacity but will eventually give way to slight understeer. And when it comes to towing, 7,200 pounds is handed without a fuss, too.

The BMW X5 Hybrid gets a ton of things right. That punchy hybrid system not only delivers excellent performance but is economical too, and that 30 miles of all-electric range puts it above rivals. The interior is luxurious and offers plenty of passenger space. Tie that in with an impressive standard features list, and you're well on your way to having a winner. We appreciate the long list of optional extras, but be warned: they add up. On the downside, we think the X5 Hybrid's exterior styling is bland, but who doesn't like a bit of sleeper action? All in all, this package offers a ton of practicality, luxury, and performance and will be hard to pass up, even if it's more expensive than its main rivals.