[sjak92]

Originally Posted by Wardman

Are you saying there is a tune for 45e (remapped)?

Of course there is

[menace33]

Has anyone done remapping on 45e?

[regCT]

x40i 4863 lbs/335 hp=14.52 lbs/hp
X45e 5675(!) lbs/389 hp=14.58 lbs/hp

Both are listed at 5.3 0-60. I will take the 800 lb lighter SUV, thanks!

source:

https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/x-mo...-features.html

[RocketGoBoom]

Originally Posted by regCT

x40i 4863 lbs/335 hp=14.52 lbs/hp
X45e 5675(!) lbs/389 hp=14.58 lbs/hp

Both are listed at 5.3 0-60. I will take the 800 lb lighter SUV, thanks!

source:

https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/x-mo...-features.html

I will take the X5 45e with the $7,500 federal tax credit, thanks!

xDrive AWD option costs $2,300
PHEV option costs $3,700
$6,000 total for both

Federal gov't gives me $7,500.

[regCT]

Fair enough, to me the cost savings is not enough to carry an extra 800 lbs.

[jad03060]

Originally Posted by regCT

Fair enough, to me the cost savings is not enough to carry an extra 800 lbs.

It does keep the CG lower, and that can change the handling characteristics. The electric motor filling in torque from start and while the turbo is still spooling up makes acceleration smoother, too.

[ND40oz]

Originally Posted by jad03060

It does keep the CG lower, and that can change the handling characteristics. The electric motor filling in torque from start and while the turbo is still spooling up makes acceleration smoother, too.

It's not like the B58 has any perceivable lag. And peak torque is available practically off idle at 1500 rpm.

If you're getting it for the federal tax credit savings, it makes sense. The other benefits are the electric only range and fuel savings.

[sjak92]

Originally Posted by regCT

x40i 4863 lbs/335 hp=14.52 lbs/hp
X45e 5675(!) lbs/389 hp=14.58 lbs/hp

Both are listed at 5.3 0-60. I will take the 800 lb lighter SUV, thanks!

source:

https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/x-mo...-features.html

I'm sorry that's just a stupid way of thinking things through, this isn't a small track car where lb/kg makes any difference. A 45e is bought for economy, not weight savings

[X5 45e]

Originally Posted by sjak92

I'm sorry that's just a stupid way of thinking things through, this isn't a small track car where lb/kg makes any difference. A 45e is bought for economy, not weight savings

For economy ??? 😂😂😂

[DBLDNon11]

Don't forget the whole 'need to plug it in' aspect of the 45e. Where I live, this would not be a convenient thing.

[moodyhank82]

It just depends on everyone's priorities and situation. In the U.S. on paper 45e is cheaper to buy if one qualifies for the full federal tax credit and if it can be plugged in regularly gets double the gas mileage with no straight line performance disadvantage. When running as an EV, it is quieter and smoother than the 40i plus it comes standard with air suspension making it even more comfortable. For someone like me who can conveniently plug it in overnight and claim the full tax credit and just looking for a mid-size electric-ish SUV, it is a no brainer. My other options for a similar size electric/PHEV options are the Model X, the XC90, the Aviator, and the Cayenne, which are either more expensive or lacking the drivetrain refinement/EV range or both.

I also think the versatility of the X5 range is one of its greatest value propositions. One can get a comfortable and relatively economical 45e for family duty or get a M50i with DHP to have a fun and performance-oriented SUV.

[jad03060]

FOr those outside of the US, BMW hasn't sold any diesels here for a number of years, so any discussions on them won't apply. That might change perceptions and recommendations given, as the diesel alternative is not even considered.

FWIW, one reason a diesel gets (generally) better economy is that the same volume of diesel versus petrol, the diesel has 8% more energy content. And, a diesel is more efficient at idle. So, somewhat depends on the relative costs of the fuel (in the US, diesel, at least in the winter where it can compete with heating fuel), which can vary, sometimes a lot, but season.

I've never owned a diesel vehicle, but have driven some trucks with it. The fuel taxes in the US are pretty low compared with many places, so that's also one reason why vehicles tend to be larger. And, the distances one might need to travel can be huge. Crossing Texas from E-W is like 850-miles or so...and it's over 3000 from say California to Maine. Yes, most of the time, people will fly, but there are times when driving may be preferable.

[dkerr]

Is the trunk space in the 45e reduced compared to the 40i? I know in the 5-series you lost quite a lot of space in the back due to battery pack. The under-floor space must be gone (hence no 3rd row seat option or space-saver spare tire). But is the floor raised at all? That put me off a 5-series PHEV.

Thanks
DAK

[pho]

Originally Posted by dkerr

Is the trunk space in the 45e reduced compared to the 40i? I know in the 5-series you lost quite a lot of space in the back due to battery pack. The under-floor space must be gone (hence no 3rd row seat option or space-saver spare tire). But is the floor raised at all? That put me off a 5-series PHEV.

Thanks
DAK

I think it's slightly raised compared to a non phev, and of course you lose some storage space underneath (there still is a small storage compartment) but it's nowhere near the huge hump that eats away the storage space in the 5 series.
I wouldn't have known it was different than a non phev x5 if I didn't hear a reviewer say it in a video.

[codex57]

Originally Posted by dkerr

Is the trunk space in the 45e reduced compared to the 40i? I know in the 5-series you lost quite a lot of space in the back due to battery pack. The under-floor space must be gone (hence no 3rd row seat option or space-saver spare tire). But is the floor raised at all? That put me off a 5-series PHEV.

Thanks
DAK

The rear half of the trunk area is raised by maybe an inch? It's not perfectly flat, but it's not that bad. And yes, you lose the under trunk space but there still is a tiny bit in the front half. This was my primary concern.

The 40i does feel a bit more tossable, but we're talking about a SUV that's nearly 3 tons either way. This is no track car. It feels a bit bloated no matter which engine. Plus, the lower CG of the 45e really helps in making the car feel more planted. Standard air suspension makes a huge difference in ride quality.

The electric motor adds noticeable punch whenever you press the gas. Because of the mass, despite how good the 6 cyl is, adding that electric motor makes a big difference in how it pulls initially.

If you're talking performance, it's hands down in favor of the 45e. Fully aware that it's 800 lbs heavier. It's hands down IMO. I test drove them back to back. It was a VERY easy choice. The 40i was willing to change directions a tiny bit better, but it still felt like a slug compared to my X3. Both cars just carry too much weight to feel tossable.

The major disadvantage of the 45e IMO is the loss of storage space and the charging. You definitely need to see if it works for you. Can you charge overnight? It has a really slow onboard charger. Depending on what you carry, losing the under storage is quite a bit. I just carry emergency supplies which should still fit in the little space in the front so I'm ok, but if you carry extra water, etc as well, then it could be a problem.

[dkerr]

Originally Posted by codex57

The rear half of the trunk area is raised by maybe an inch? It's not perfectly flat, but it's not that bad. And yes, you lose the under trunk space but there still is a tiny bit in the front half. This was my primary concern.

The 40i does feel a bit more tossable, but we're talking about a SUV that's nearly 3 tons either way. This is no track car. It feels a bit bloated no matter which engine. Plus, the lower CG of the 45e really helps in making the car feel more planted. Standard air suspension makes a huge difference in ride quality.

The electric motor adds noticeable punch whenever you press the gas. Because of the mass, despite how good the 6 cyl is, adding that electric motor makes a big difference in how it pulls initially.

If you're talking performance, it's hands down in favor of the 45e. Fully aware that it's 800 lbs heavier. It's hands down IMO. I test drove them back to back. It was a VERY easy choice. The 40i was willing to change directions a tiny bit better, but it still felt like a slug compared to my X3. Both cars just carry too much weight to feel tossable.

The major disadvantage of the 45e IMO is the loss of storage space and the charging. You definitely need to see if it works for you. Can you charge overnight? It has a really slow onboard charger. Depending on what you carry, losing the under storage is quite a bit. I just carry emergency supplies which should still fit in the little space in the front so I'm ok, but if you carry extra water, etc as well, then it could be a problem.

Thanks for the helpful reply. I guess the right answer (of course) is to go test drive both at my dealership. I was tempted to get the air suspension anyway and so that further reduces the price difference. But I will lease so could not take advantage of the tax credit -- I like a new car every 3 years and find that leasing is (usually) the better bet.

DAK

[codex57]

Yeah, right now, BMW isn't adding in the tax credit to make the lease rate any better. You don't have that advantage and it becomes a closer decision.

Do you do a lot of short trips where the electric motor will save you gas?

Definitely try to test drive them back to back. And go for more than just down the block. A lot of dealers only let you drive around the block. That's generally too short a distance to really tell.

My local dealer was cool. Cuz of COVID, the sales guy didn't go with me. Gave me essentially a 30 min loan with each car. I drove the 45e one direction about 2 freeway exits, then circled back and took streets (to feel crappy roads) to my house to see if the car would fit in my garage. I then took the 40i most of the same path, but didn't go to my house cuz I could already feel the difference. And the 40i didn't have air suspension so I could really feel the difference. I deliberately took some sharp onramps to test the handling. Both cars are pigs. That 800 lbs means squat. Give Jabba the Hut an extra hamburger or two and it won't make a difference either way.

Of course, it also helps that I have a X3 so I can feel what the weight difference does and I'm familiar with the electric motor punch cuz I have a Model 3.

[X5 45e]

Originally Posted by codex57

Yeah, right now, BMW isn't adding in the tax credit to make the lease rate any better. You don't have that advantage and it becomes a closer decision.

Do you do a lot of short trips where the electric motor will save you gas?

Definitely try to test drive them back to back. And go for more than just down the block. A lot of dealers only let you drive around the block. That's generally too short a distance to really tell.

My local dealer was cool. Cuz of COVID, the sales guy didn't go with me. Gave me essentially a 30 min loan with each car. I drove the 45e one direction about 2 freeway exits, then circled back and took streets (to feel crappy roads) to my house to see if the car would fit in my garage. I then took the 40i most of the same path, but didn't go to my house cuz I could already feel the difference. And the 40i didn't have air suspension so I could really feel the difference. I deliberately took some sharp onramps to test the handling. Both cars are pigs. That 800 lbs means squat. Give Jabba the Hut an extra hamburger or two and it won't make a difference either way.

Of course, it also helps that I have a X3 so I can feel what the weight difference does and I'm familiar with the electric motor punch cuz I have a Model 3.

Nice observations and usable practical comments !

[GolfR17]

I went back and forth a few times deciding between 45e and 40i. Leasing so no tax credit. I was really impressed with the powertrain in the 45e. Very smooth and that low-end torque boost was definitely noticeable. Weirdly I like the feeling of the steel suspension in the 40i I drove better. The air suspension was comfortable though.

[jc.bmw]

In the case of a 45e in the US, even if you plan on only keeping the car for 3 years, I'd seriously consider a purchase instead of a lease. The total cost of ownership would be lower.

I know you'd have to finance the whole vehicle price instead of just 45% of it, but you could use the $7500 tax credit towards lowering your monthly payments.

Oversimplified math (no interest / fees / etc):
45% of 75k = $33,750 (3y cost of depreciation) = $937.50 / month
With $7500 tax credit = $26,250 (3y cost of depreciation) = $729 / month

[sjak92]

Originally Posted by X5 45e

For economy ??? 😂😂😂

Yes for economy, not fuel economy but money economy. What's so off about that assumption?

In my current situation - which has changed due to COVID where I now drive to work as opposed to public transport into the centre of London - a 45e would allow me to save a huge amount in fuel compared to my 30d.

Also tax rebates for company car drivers in the uk (and elsewhere I presume) are huge.

Finally, it will be much more economical vs a 40i

[X5 45e]

Originally Posted by sjak92

Yes for economy, not fuel economy but money economy. What's so off about that assumption?

In my current situation - which has changed due to COVID where I now drive to work as opposed to public transport into the centre of London - a 45e would allow me to save a huge amount in fuel compared to my 30d.

Also tax rebates for company car drivers in the uk (and elsewhere I presume) are huge.

Finally, it will be much more economical vs a 40i

I completely agree with money economy for tax reasons of course that's why I bought it too.

But for the environment or good MPG an X5 , even 45e is not a good choice. Mea culpa on this for me too. A light small car with a smaller engine would be much more economic. But I didn't choose that one either.

I had a discussion about this with a car dealer and he said if you want to be green buy a bike and use public transport. And he is correct.

You will save a lot of fuel indeed. But electricity is not free either. Unless you have solar panels or your company pays for it.