The BMW i5 was chosen by Edmunds’ as its Top Pick Electric Vehicle. But if you’re still not ready to take the leap to a fully electric vehicle , the BMW 2024 X5 and X5 Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) just got tapped by Consumer Reports as the “2024 Top Pick” Luxury SUV(s).
Consumer Reports is a member-supported, independent consumer research organization, considered the gold standard in testing and comparing hundreds of items. Of course, automobiles are the most expensive – after homes – most consumers will buy. An investment of thousands of dollars warrants careful consideration.
Consumer Reports purchases its review vehicles anonymously and puts them through their paces on its six-mile test track. Among the multiple points it tests are vehicles’ performance, handling, seating, technology, safety, fuel efficiency and much more. It also looks over reams of consumer reliability and satisfaction data.
In naming the 2024 BMW X5 and X5 PHEV its 2024 Top Pick Luxury SUV, Consumer Reports mentioned, “It’s whisper-quiet cabin…lavished with leather and wood, finished with cushioned surfaces and fitted with coddling front seats.” Clearly, the X5’s interior is remarkable. But also, “The balanced suspension…supple ride and composed handling that holds its own on curvy roads.”
That handling is very important to drivers who are likely to find themselves on twisting mountain or winding country roads. The reviewers like the acceleration that the X5’s turbo six offers, but calls the 483 horsepower PHEV “the real ace” because the combination of that turbo six and the electric motor accelerates fast – zero-60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
The X5 xDrive50e gets 58 Mpge with an electric range of 39 miles. It will fully charge in under 10 hours using a Level 2 charger. Its gas-powered X5 sibling’s base model, the X5 xDrive40i has 375 horsepower, does zero-60 mph in 5.3 seconds and gets 23 mpg city/27 mpg highway; the X5 M60i has 523 horsepower, does zero-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and gets 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway. All X5 gas-powered models come with 48V mild-hybrid technology.
So many good choices! And knowing that Consumer Reports has put them through rigorous tests makes it a lot easier when researching your big Luxury SUV purchase.
Shop Schomp BMW’s inventory online today at schompbmw.com.