DRIVING THE PHEV REVOLUTION - "The best hybrids, both conventional and plug-in, now need no excuses" - BMW
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Britain’s biggest and best car buyer’s guide Reprinted from What Car? 2019 & 2020
DRIVING THE PHEV
REVOLUTION
“The best hybrids, both conventional and
plug-in, now need no excuses”
CONTENTS WELCOME
CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
One hundred and ‘A plug-in hybrid’s With all the ‘The best hybrids,
seventy six miles per predictability of
gallon. The official
economy depends a washed-out
both conventional
p8&16 fuel economy of on the type of bank holiday, the and plug-in, now
the new BMW 330e driving you do’ Government’s need no excuses’
4 Hybrids worth waiting for (or buying today) FIRST LOOK: X5 XDRIVE45e FIRST LOOK: 530e is certainly eye- decision to scrap its
All the new hybrids about to hit the road
catching, but how achievable is that figure in plug-in hybrid car grant at the end of last year
8 Car of the Year Awards the real world? Well, as with all plug-in hybrids, it has led to a 34% drop in sales. And yet, in many
Unprecedented COTY success for BMW’s
new executive champion depends on the type of driving you do. ways, hybrid buyers have never had it so good.
COMPARISON
If, for example, you spend most of your time Until recently, you see, most of these models
slogging up and down motorways, the battery forced you to put up with compromised
p10
and electric motor will be nothing more than refinement or practicality and fell massively
dead weight for long periods, and it’s not the car short of their official economy figures in the real
p22 for you. On the other hand, if your daily commute world. But no longer.
22 BMW X5 xDrive45e is no more than about 25 miles long and you can Whether you’re looking at conventional ‘self-
Game-changing PHEV Luxury SUV charge at both ends of it, you’ll spend much of charging’ hybrids, which mix petrol and electric
boasts outstanding electric range.
FIRST LOOK: X3 XDRIVE30e your time running on electric power and could power for the best efficiency, or plug-in hybrids
23 BMW 7 Series save a fortune by choosing a 330e. that can travel many miles before burning a
10 Living the battery life How to make the world’s best luxury car
Twin-test: new BMW 330e in Executive even better
In short, it’s the latest proof that one size doesn’t drop of fuel, the best now need no excuses. Plus,
battle with Volvo S60 fit all. There might come a day when one type of the number on offer is about to explode.
24 BMW X5 xDrive45e vs Volvo XC90 T8
16 Car of the Year Awards Plug-in hybrids can be much cheaper to
car wins out, but right now petrol, diesel, hybrid So, in this issue, we have all you need to make
Same car, different criteria for BMW’s run than their conventional equivalents, and electric models all have their place. an informed decision.
new plug-in hybrid especially for company car drivers.
Steve Huntingford, editor
18 Hybrid theory 30 BMW Plug-In Hybrid and all-electric models Steve.Huntingford@haymarket.com @swhuntingford
Motoring fun, with all the trimmings: On sale today and coming soon.
BMW 530e vs Volvo S90
COMPARISON COMPARISON
p18 p24
HYBRIDS SPECIAL
HYBRIDS BMW X1
Revised exterior design and new plug-in hybrid version add to the allure of BMW’s family SUV
On sale Now Price from £29,450. BMW X1 xDrive 25e Plug-In Hybrid from £38,200
WORTH
FLYING COLOURS
The side skirts, wheel
arches, lower bumpers
and body cladding
are painted in the
body colour if you go
WAITING
for range-topping
M Sport trim.
FOR (OR
BUYING
TODAY) Doug Revolta
Doug.Revolta@haymarket.com
of the X7’s nostrils) and the front bumper
redesigned. There are also new-look LED
Badged xDrive25e, it uses a 1.5-litre three-
cylinder petrol engine to drive the front
EVEN THE BEST trendsetters take a bit of time tail-lights, while the exhaust tailpipes have wheels and an electric motor, fed by a 9.7kWh
to perfect their formula. The BMW X1 was one swelled slightly. battery, to drive the rears. BMW says the
of the first smaller SUVs to wear a premium Other new features include an LED xDrive25e will be able to cover more than 34
badge, arriving well before this kind of car projection of ‘X1’ from the door mirror to the miles on electric power alone.
enjoyed a boom in popularity. Its jacked- ground when you unlock the car (on xLine and Combined outputs of 217bhp and 284lb ft
up, chunky looks proved a hit, but it wasn’t M Sport models), along with three new shades of torque mean it can dispatch 0-62mph in
until the second-generation model arrived of metallic paint to choose from. 7.0sec (making it the fastest version of the X1)
that BMW refined the offering and made it a But the headline news is the introduction of and reach a top speed of 119mph. Meanwhile,
genuinely good, big-selling car. BMW X1 plug-in hybrid to the range. it officially emits as little as 40g/km of CO2
However, we’ve since seen new arrivals
BUYER’S FILE
Not so long ago, hybrids only made sense if you were a company car in the shape of the Volvo XC40 and the new
Range Rover Evoque, both of which have BMW X1 xDrive 25e xLine PHEV
driver or someone living or working in London’s Congestion Charge set higher standards in the class. So, the time
has come for some cosmetic tweaks to the Price £39,200
Engine 3cyl, 1499cc, petrol
zone. However, the best are now brilliant all-rounders that offer diesel- X1, along with the introduction of an
entirely new variant.
Power 217bhp @ 4600rpm
Torque 220Nm @ 1500rpm
beating fuel economy in real-world conditions. So, which should you The exterior changes aren’t substantial. Gearbox
0-62mph
6-speed automatic
6.9sec Top speed 119mph
BMW’s trademark ‘kidney grille’ has been
consider now, and what are the most exciting models coming soon? enlarged (a common recent theme, but Economy
CO2, tax band
148.7-156.9mpg combined (WLTP)
43-40g/km, 16% (WLTP)
they’re still some way from the colossal scale
4 | Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com | 5
ON SALE NOW
BMW X3 xDrive30e
Plug-in hybrid version of BMW’s rival to the Audi Q5 has a 28-mile electric-only range and a classy interior
Price from £47,565
Darren Moss that should make overtakes a breeze. The plug-in hybrid versions of the Audi Q5 (due
Darren.Moss@haymarket.com gearbox is an eight-speed automatic, and for launch later this year) and Land Rover
you also get BMW’s four-wheel drive system Discovery Sport.
WE’VE BEEN VERY impressed with the latest for extra traction on greasy roads, or if you Buyers wanting more electrified BMW SUVs
BMW X3. It holds a five-star road test rating, want to venture into the wilderness. won’t have to wait for long, because the fully
putting it on an equal footing with its chief Officially, the xDrive30e can cover up to electric iX3 luxury SUV will join the plug-in
rival, the Audi Q5, and a whole star ahead 28 miles on electric power from a single hybrid X3 on sale next year.
of the Land Rover Discovery Sport. And now charge. The battery is located under the Set to rival the Audi E-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and
BMW is broadening its appeal to green- rear seats in a bid to save storage space Mercedes-Benz EQC, the iX3 will be powered
minded drivers, because it has launched inside, but even so, this X3 has a smaller by two electric motors – one on each axle –
a plug-in hybrid version. boot than conventionally powered X3s to and should be capable of covering at least
Dubbed the xDrive30e, the model was the tune of 100 litres. Still, there should be 200 miles on a charge.
revealed at the last Geneva motor show enough space left to suit the average family.
and is now on sale. It’s powered by a Elsewhere, the xDrive30e is identical to
combination of a 2.0-litre petrol engine
and an electric motor, together
regular X3 models. That means you get the
same comfortable interior and
‘The hybrid system
producing 248bhp. class-leading iDrive infotainment system that produces 248bhp,
With a 0-62mph time of 6.1sec, this X3 we’ve praised in other models.
(WLTP), thanks to a combined fuel economy controller and shortcut buttons mounted In the UK, there will be front-wheel drive is already reasonably rapid, but an extra The xDrive30e costs slightly more than the with an extra 40bhp
figure of 156.9mpg. You’ll have to do mostly
short journeys and charge after each one to
between the front seats instead of prodding
the screen.
(sDrive) and four-wheel drive (xDrive) on
offer, but our experiences suggest sDrive is
40bhp is temporarily available by utilising
all of the electric motor’s reserves – a boost
equivalent regular X3, with prices starting
from £47,565. It will go up against new available temporarily’
achieve that (otherwise it just becomes The interior remains fantastically all you need unless you live up a snow-capped
an overweight petrol), but you’ll benefit executed, with first-class build quality, mountain. And the choice of petrol and diesel
from very low company car tax bills even and there are now more ambient lighting engines is carried over, so the 148bhp sDrive18d
if you don’t. options. The driving position is what you’d will most likely remain the pick of the range,
We’ve had a look around the xDrive25e, hope for from a family SUV: high enough having more grunt than the sDrive18i and
and there’s little to tell it apart visually. while still providing plenty of adjustability sDrive20i turbocharged petrols but lower
Stuffing a battery under the rear seats has and good visibility. running costs than the 187bhp xDrive20d.
resulted in a slight compromise on rear On top of that, the X1 remains one of the Evidently, this facelift is more of a subtle
seat space, though, so tall adults will find most spacious and practical family SUVs, reinvigoration for the X1 rather than a
their heads brushing the roof where they with lots of space for passengers comprehensive reworking. The Evoque and
wouldn’t in a petrol or diesel X1. Some and luggage. XC40 continue to lead the way in the class as
underfloor boot space is taken up, too, but And to drive? Well, we could get our brilliant all-rounders, but the X1’s practicality
this isn’t noticeable, because it’s where the hands only on the xDrive25i, which won’t be and excellent interior mean it’s still well
spare wheel sits in other models. coming to the UK, but with no mechanical worth your consideration, while the new
Anyway, deliveries of the xDrive25e won’t changes from the pre-facelift model, the plug-in hybrid version should help it stand
start until later next year and pricing hasn’t X1 remains great to drive. Its steering out further.
been announced yet, so let’s focus on what is weighty and precise and its handling
you can have now. is pleasingly agile. The ride is firm as a
Inside, the standard 6.5in display has been consequence, especially around town, but SAYS
ditched in favour of an 8.8in touchscreen, you could easily live with it, and it smooths Not much has changed, but
and this can be upgraded to a new 10.3in out on the motorway.
item. BMW’s iDrive continues to be the Refinement is a weakness of the X1 at all that means the X1 remains a
very finest infotainment system available, speeds, however; there’s a fair bit of road plush and practical family SUV X3 xDrive30e promises
being packed with features and brilliantly roar and the engine stop-start system could strong performance and
simple to use, because you can use the dial be a smoother operator. potentially low running costs
6 | Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com | 7
BEST BUY £30,000-£40,000 Winner
Executive car
BMW 3 Series BMW 3 Series
330e M Sport 330e M Sport
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN the tried and trusted
facets of the BMW 3 Series are combined with
cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology? You get
Petrol, plug-in hybrid or
the 330e and a five-star review. electric? Our answer is
You see, the 330e is better than any other the car we believe will
hybrid saloon, being very nearly as engaging as suit most people most of
regular 3 Series variants, relaxingly refined and
rather comfortable – especially on the motorway. the time: the BMW 330e.
Its closest rival, the Volvo S60 T8, may be more
cosseting, but it’s much pricier to buy and run and
This slickly integrates
hardly any fun to drive. the latest technology
The 330e also offers class-leading infotainment with the long-held wants
and good space front and rear. The only real and needs of executive
downside of the hybridisation is that 100 litres of
boot is given to the battery. saloon drivers. That it’s
When fully charged, the 330e can officially
easy to live with, of the
cover up to 36 miles on electricity – a few more very highest standard
than the S60 T8 and Mercedes-Benz C300de. And
it remains fairly frugal when forced to run on everywhere inside,
petrol power, recording 37.2mpg in our hands. The fantastic to drive and
resulting low CO2 emissions yield massive tax
savings for company car drivers, too. yet relatively cheap to
Although diesel, despite all the negativity, will
run secures it the victory.
still be the best choice for some, the 330e just pips If the Tesla Model 3 has
the 320d to the post here, due to its potentially
lower ownership costs. a long enough range for
your needs, it’d make a
terrific choice. Likewise,
KEY FACTS
List price £39,980 (£40,700 from 1 April 2020)
the Skoda Superb offers
Target PCP £409 great value for money,
Performance
0-62mph 5.9sec delivering much of its
Top speed 142mph rivals’ capability. But the
Running costs
Official economy 176.6-201.8mpg 330e possesses greater
combined (WLTP)
CO2 37-32g/km (WLTP)
premium lustre than
Company car tax band 10% either, while providing
Insurance group 33
Safety penny-pinching zero-
Euro NCAP rating emissions driving without
y
xy
xy
xy
xy
x a hint of range anxiety.
97% 87% 87% 76%
(2019)
8 | Reprinted from What Car? Awards 2020 whatcar.com Reprinted from What Car? Awards 2020 whatcar.com | 9
COMPARISON BMW 3 Series vs Volvo S60
Living the
battery life
By paying extra to get yourself a plug-in hybrid
executive saloon, rather than a petrol or diesel,
you stand to receive incredible fuel economy
and cheaper BIK tax. Surely there’s a catch?
Photography: John Bradshaw
THE CONTENDERS ELECTRIC CARS MAKE sense for battery power alone. But if you But it’s unlikely to be nearly driving. And so it proved in our Once the battery is out of juice, pedal and, after a short delay while
BMW 3 Series Volvo S60 more buyers than ever before, but need to make a longer journey as rapid as the Volvo S60 T8. tests. The 330e managed 26.5 miles the petrol engine is forced into the automatic gearbox readies
330e M Sport (M Sport Plus Pack) T8 Twin Engine AWD R-Design Plus they still aren’t the right choice for or simply didn’t have a chance to This understated Swede pumps and the S60 24.8 miles – both getting its hands dirty. Don’t itself for what’s about to ensue,
List price £42,190 List price £49,805 everyone. What if you don’t have a charge the battery, there’s a good out a mighty 386bhp and yet some way behind the official expect spectacular fuel economy it sprints off down the road like
driveway for charging at home? Or old petrol engine to help out. still promises 33 miles from distances, although still enough at this point, because both cars a true performance car. On a
if you need to make fairly frequent And, as luck would have it, two a full charge. But which is the to handle many commutes. are quite a bit heavier than mildly damp road surface, it
NEW NEW long trips and don’t want to put new plug-in hybrid saloons have better all-round plug-in hybrid? To make sure the petrol engine their conventional counterparts managed 0-60mph in just 5.3sec.
your faith in the UK’s unreliable just gone on sale. The first is the stays switched off, you need (blame the batteries and electric Not that the 330e is exactly
motorway charging network? BMW 330e, a variant of our 2019 DRIVING to put these cars in their pure motors), but the 330e managed a sluggish; it still managed to hit
Yes, you could just do what Executive Car of the Year and one Performance, ride, electric driving modes – although respectable 37.2mpg in our tests, 60mph from a standstill in 6.2sec,
you’ve always done and buy that can officially manage up to handling, refinement to keep fuel consumption as low compared with the S60’s 36.0mpg. and its two power sources work
another petrol or diesel car, but 36 miles of driving on battery as possible, both are intelligent The S60’s economy seems all together more adroitly than the
there’s a potential third option: a power. Thanks to a combined Let’s deal with those electric-only enough to power themselves the more remarkable when you S60’s, with a smoother transition
Plug-in hybrid version of our More expensive to buy but plug-in hybrid. Like electric cars, 288bhp when its engine and rear- ranges first because, just like using mostly their electric motors consider the acceleration it can between battery and petrol power
Executive Car of the Year looks promises blistering performance and unlike so-called ‘self-charging’ mounted electric motor team official fuel economy figures for anyway, as long as you’re driving muster when its petrol engine and to both working in tandem.
extremely compelling on paper. and a less compromised boot. hybrids, these can manage up, it should offer surprisingly petrol and diesel cars, these are gently and there’s a reasonable and electric motor are working If you enjoy your driving, the
average-length commutes on punchy performance, too. often hard to achieve in real-world level of charge in the battery. together. Floor its accelerator 330e is the better choice, too.
10 | Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com | 11
COMPARISON BMW 3 Series vs Volvo S60
Granted, it isn’t quite as agile as BMW 3 SERIES INFOTAINMENT VOLVO S60 INFOTAINMENT something with a sporty flavour,
BEST
regular petrol or diesel versions DRIVING BMW’s iDrive system is the best The S60’s system is operated by and a heavily bolstered seat
of the 3 Series, but it still tucks POSITION in the class. You can use it as a touchscreen only, so it’s quite that holds you in place securely
its nose into corners eagerly and touchscreen or by twisting and distracting to use while driving. through corners only adds to
feels neatly balanced through pressing a dial between the The fact that some of the icons that impression. However, you
bends and out the other side. front seats (less distracting when are small doesn’t help. Volvo’s have to adjust the seat the old-
The S60 grips the road almost you’re driving). Measuring just operating system isn’t the fashioned way (using bicep power)
as hard, but it responds more over 10.0in, the display is bigger most intuitive, either. You have and must pay extra if you want
ponderously when you ask for and brighter than the S60’s, plus to pay £300 for Apple CarPlay adjustable lumbar support.
a quick change of direction and the operating system it displays and Android Auto smartphone Electric front seats and
there’s more body lean when 2 is far more user-friendly. Android mirroring, or if you fork out £850, adjustable lumbar support are
that happens. Its steering isn’t Auto isn’t available; Apple you get a bundle that includes standard on the S60, and those
as accurate or feelsome as its 1 CarPlay is, but you have to pay the smartphone mirroring and a seats are even more comfortable
German rival’s, either. to use it after the first 12 months. 1 Harman Kardon sound system. than the 330e’s on long drives –
Then again, you’ll appreciate especially when the road is mostly
the S60’s generally softer, waftier straight. You sit higher up, which
ride. On gently undulating roads is good news for forward visibility.
and motorways, it’s considerably 3 2 3 However, your over-the-shoulder
comfier than the firmer-edged view is actually slightly better
330e. That said, the S60 tends 1 Interior is mostly of 2 Aluminium dashboard 3 Apart from lumbar 1 Whether you like the 2 The front seats are 3 You can choose in the 330e. Both cars come with
to shudder and crash more over high quality; shame trim comes as standard, adjustment being a look of the S60’s interior super-comfortable and between dark or light front and rear parking sensors to
broken asphalt and potholes, about the hard plastic but you can have wood £265 extra, the driving or not, it feels really supportive, plus electric grey leather for the seats help you out when manoeuvring
while the 330e always maintains around the gear selector or piano black for a fee position is excellent well bolted together adjustment is standard and centre console in tight spots, and the 330e also
its composure and deals with has a rear-view camera.
such obstacles quicker and more Interior quality is a close-run
effectively. It’s worth noting that BEST thing, but the S60 just has the
the M Sport Plus Pack version REAR edge, with fewer hard plastics,
we’re testing here has adaptive SPACE particularly in the gear selector
suspension and 19in alloy wheels; area. Indeed, it has one of the most
regular M Sport cars get an even upmarket interiors in the class,
firmer suspension setup, albeit 905mm pipped only by the Audi A4 (which
905mm 920mm
with slightly smaller (18in) rims. 900mm isn’t available as a plug-in hybrid).
The S60 is the slightly more
peaceful cruiser, subjecting you 1385mm SPACE AND PRACTICALITY
1425mm 1375mm 1425mm
to considerably less tyre roar Front space, rear space,
than the 330e at a steady 70mph 740mm 1130mm 1100mm seating flexibility, boot
760mm
and only slightly more wind
noise. Its petrol engine sounds If you’re wondering how the
coarser when you’re accelerating engineers have managed to
hard, though. The 3 Series can usually take BEST The S60’s boot is much taller squeeze a big battery into these
seven suitcases to the S60’s eight, BOOT than its German rival’s, although cars’ already fairly compact
BEHIND THE WHEEL but hybridisation has seriously SPACE it’s a bit rich that you have to pay dimensions, here’s your answer:
Driving position, visibility, compromised space. You’ll still be £300 for split-folding rear seats. by stealing space from the boot.
build quality able to slot in a set of golf clubs, More positively, it gets an electric Yep, both cars have significantly
960mm though, and 40/20/40 split- 1010mm bootlid as standard, whereas less space for your luggage
450mm
These two have among the best folding rear seats are standard this costs extra on the 330e. than their regular petrol and
driving positions in the executive 360mm diesel counterparts.
saloon class, albeit for slightly Boot 375 litres Boot 390 litres It’s more of an issue in the 330e,
965-1370mm 1035-1140mm
different reasons. You sit lower Suitcases 5 Suitcases 8 because although it had a slightly
in the 330e, so you immediately larger boot to begin with, a lot
feel like you’re behind the wheel of more space has been robbed. The
space that’s left is really shallow,
RANGE managing to accept just five
BMW Volvo ‘The 330e isn’t quite as agile as regular versions ‘The S60 shudders more over broken surfaces carry-on suitcases (compared with
3 Series S60 seven in the regular 3 Series). At
of the 3 Series, but it still feels neatly balanced’ but is considerably comfier on the motorway’ least you can always fold down the
Official 40/20/40-split rear seats if you
electric-only 35 miles 33 miles need to carry more – just like you
range (WLTP)
can in the S60 (for £300). The S60
Combined can swallow eight cases.
range (petrol 509 miles 492 miles The S60 is the roomier
and electric)
choice for rear passengers, too –
What Car?
particularly when it comes to
test electric- 26.5 miles 24.8 miles knee room. A six-footer will still
only range fit in the back of the 330e with
CHARGING relative ease, but he or she won’t
have the same space to spread out
Three-pin
domestic 5hr 42min 5hr 42min during a longer drive.
cable
BUYING AND OWNING
Type 2 cable Costs, equipment, reliability,
(optional) 3hr 24min 3hr 24min
safety and security
Maximum Right now, plug-in hybrids make
charging 3.7kW 3.7kW
rate the most sense for company
car drivers, because their low
12 | Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com | 13
COMPARISON BMW 3 Series vs Volvo S60
WHAT THEY WILL COST official CO2 emissions bring but metallic paint is thrown in. STATS, SPECS AND RATINGS
All prices correct at time of testing relatively cheap benefit-in-kind However, it’s worth noting that if BMW 3 Series Volvo S60 SAYS
(BIK) tax bills. In fact, these two you can resist adding any options 330e M Sport (M Sport Plus Pack) T8 Twin Engine AWD R-Design Plus
are the cheapest versions of their and eschew the M Sport Plus Pack If they’re charged up regularly, plug-in
respective model line-ups when it altogether, the price of the car dips Width 2070mm Width 2040mm hybrids can help reduce our dependance
comes to monthly salary sacrifices. below £40,000, meaning you’ll on fossil fuels and, in the process, cut the
The 330e’s lower list price makes pay £135 annually in road tax from amount of CO2 and other pollutants that
it even cheaper than the S60, years two to six, rather than £455. 2068mm 1437mm are pumped into the atmosphere. But
though; from next April, when tax As for safety, both cars come 690mm 660mm let’s face it: one of the main reasons for
incentives will improve for cars with automatic emergency buying one is the potential for big savings
BMW 3 Series Volvo S60 with low CO2 emissions, a 40% braking (AEB) as standard, along on running costs.
The much cheaper option, Only really makes financial sense taxpayer will have to sacrifice just with lane departure warning, That’s why the 330e makes a lot more
no matter your circumstances if you’re a company car driver £169 per month. The S60 would while the S60 adds lane-keeping 2851mm 2872mm sense here. It’s dramatically cheaper
cost an extra £30 per month. assistance (part of the £1250 4709mm 4761mm for private cash buyers, those using PCP
PRICES The 330e is also much cheaper Driving Assistant Professional finance and even company car drivers.
List price £42,190 £49,805 to own privately, partly because it’s Pack on the 330e). Blindspot ECONOMY & EMISSIONS And although its advantages on electric-
Company car tax £225, £169, £169, £169 £265, £199, £199, £199 so much cheaper to buy but also monitoring and adaptive cruise OFFICIAL Combined 176.6mpg OFFICIAL Combined 156.6mpg only range and overall fuel economy are
(per month, until April 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) because it’s predicted to depreciate control cost extra on both. MPG MPG relatively small, they still count in its favour.
Contract hire (per month) £407 £516 at a much slower rate. It’s the same When it comes to how well these (WLTP) Test MPG 37.2mpg* (WLTP) Test MPG 36.0mpg* Yes, the S60 may be faster, but aside
story for those looking at a PCP cars are likely to protect you and Test electric range 26.5 miles Test electric range 24.8 miles from its blistering acceleration, it isn’t a
finance deal, with the 330e again your passengers in an accident, Fuel cost per 12,000 miles £1131** Fuel cost per 12,000 miles £1216** particularly rewarding car to drive. And it’s
RESALE VALUE BY YEAR working out much cheaper. both scored impressive marks by not as though the 330e is at all sluggish.
n BMW 3 Series n Volvo S60 Both cars come with luxuries class standards. The S60 proved Tank 59 litres Tank 60 litres Indeed, the S60’s most relevant advantage
such as heated front seats and fractionally better at protecting CO2 emissions (NEDC) 38g/km CO2 emissions (NEDC) 42g/km is its bigger boot, but that still isn’t enough
50,000 climate control, but while the children in Euro NCAP’s tests, to steal it the win.
*With empty battery
330e’s seats are leather, the S60’s with the 3 Series edging it for **Based on Test MPG and real-world electric range, assuming average journey distance of 40 miles and an electricity cost of 14p per kWh
40,000 are part-leather, part-fabric. Other adult occupant protection.
SAFETY
1
than metallic paint and a Type 2 These models were too new
£19,407 charging cable (£50), which allows to appear in our 2019 Reliability
Value £
30,000 £18,926 you to use a proper charging point Survey, although Volvo as a whole Euro NCAP rating (2019) yyyyy Euro NCAP rating (2018) yyyyy
20,000 to charge the battery quicker, came a respectable 11th out of 31 All protection 97% 87% 87% 76% All protection 96% 84% 74% 76%
there’s no option we’d strongly brands. BMW finished a rather
10,000
recommend adding to the S60. less impressive 21st, although the
0 year 1 year 2 years 3 years As well as the bigger wheels and 330e does come with a three-year, POWERTRAIN
adaptive suspension we talked unlimited-mileage warranty, with Engine 4cyl, 1998cc, petrol + electric motor Engine 4cyl, 1969cc, petrol + electric motor
THREE-YEAR COST about earlier, the M Sport Plus cover for the battery extended to Peak power 288bhp (combined) Peak power 386bhp (combined)
n Depreciation n Insurance n Servicing n Road tax Pack for the 330e adds tinted rear six years (capped at 60,000 miles Peak torque 310Ib ft (combined) Peak torque 472lb ft (combined)
n Fuel (Test MPG) n Electricity (real-world range) windows, red and blue stitching between years three and six). Gearbox 8-spd dual-clutch automatic Gearbox 8-spd dual-clutch automatic
on the seatbelts and some gloss The S60’s three-year warranty
BMW 3 Series £20,307 £1449 £1880 black exterior trim. We’d still has a 60,000-mile limit, but PERFORMANCE Weather conditions Damp BMW 330e
recommend adding adjustable there’s eight years or 100,000
Total lumbar support (£265) and a miles, whichever comes first, of For More agile and heaps more fun to
£28,653 Type 2 charging cable (from £165), separate cover for the battery. drive; excellent infotainment system;
Top Top much cheaper on all fronts; better visibility
0-60mph speed 0-60mph speed
£2595 £910 £1512 Against You won’t fit much in the boot;
6.2sec 142mph 5.3sec 155mph
road noise; firmer ride won’t be to all tastes
Volvo S60 £25,483 £1852 £2187
Recommended options Type 2 charging
Total Acceleration Acceleration cable (£165), lumbar adjustment (£265)
£34,993 30-70mph 30-70mph
in kickdown 5.2sec in kickdown 4.6sec
£3099 £910 £1462
0 5000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 30-50mph
in kickdown 2.2sec
30-50mph
in kickdown 1.9sec
2
PCP FINANCE COSTS
Three-year term, £5000 customer deposit, 10,000 miles per year 50-70mph 50-70mph
in kickdown 3.0sec in kickdown 2.7sec
Car BMW 3 Series Volvo S60
Monthly cost £630 £741 Braking Braking
30-0mph 11.0m 30-0mph 10.6m
Manufacturer deposit contribution £5000 £2000 70-0mph 59.1m 70-0mph 58.2m
Optional final payment £17,493 £18,866
Representative APR 4.9% 2.9% Noise at 30mph 62.2dB 0 100 Noise at 30mph 61.2dB 0 100
Volvo S60
Excess mileage charge 9.7p per mile 14.9p per mile
Noise at 70mph 66.8dB 0 100 Noise at 70mph 66.8dB 0 100
Other fees na na For Rapid acceleration; more rear leg
The four-wheel-drive S60 T8 is a fair bit faster than the rear-wheel-drive BMW 330e Turning circle 11.4m Turning circle 11.3m room; bigger boot; calmer motorway ride;
great driving position; quality interior
EQUIPMENT
Against Very expensive; not much fun to
✓ Standard 7 Not available Alloy Adaptive Electric DAB radio/ Wireless Infotainment Apple Leather Sunroof Parking Rear-view Keyless
drive; heavier depreciation
wheel cruise tailgate Bluetooth/ charging screen size CarPlay/ seats sensors camera entry CARS PICTURED
size control sat-nav Android Auto front/rear
BMW 3 Series 330e M Sport with Sunset Orange metallic paint, black Volvo S60 T8 Twin Engine AWD R-Design Plus with Osmium Grey metallic Recommended options Metallic paint
BMW 3 Series 19in £1250* £990+ ✓/✓/✓ £350 10.3in ✓/7 ✓ £1700^ ✓ /✓ ✓ £990+ Vernasca leather upholstery with blue stitching (£500), M Sport Plus
Pack (£2200), Technology Pack (£1900), Premium Pack (£1700),
paint (£675), Charcoal nappa leather and textile upholstery, Xenium
Pack (£1800), Intellisafe Pro Pack (£1625), Harmon Kardon Pack (£850),
(£675), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Volvo S60 18in £1625** ✓ ✓/✓/✓ 7 9.0in £300 ✓++ £1200 ✓ /✓ ✓ ✓ Visibility Pack (£1500), Comfort Pack (£990), Parking Assistant 19in five-spoke alloy wheels (£550), Convenience Pack (£350), (£300), Type 2 charging cable (£50)
Plus Pack (£650) and Type 2 charging cable (£165) Winter Pack (£200) and Type 2 charging cable (£50)
*Part of Driving Assistant Professional Pack +Part of Comfort Pack ^Part of Premium Pack **Part of Intellisafe Pro Pack ++Part-leather, part-fabric
14 | Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com | 15
BEST BUY £35,000-£50,000 Winner
Plug-in hybrid
BMW 3 Series BMW 3 Series
330e M Sport 330e M Sport
LOOK FAMILIAR? YES, that’s right: our newly
crowned Executive Car of the Year, the BMW 330e,
is in contention for this category too.
Yes, this is a second class
won overall by the terrific
Part of the reason for its inclusion here is that
it’s a hybrid you can have some fun in. The Volvo 330e. Not only is it really
S60 T8 is certainly faster, but neither that nor rapid, but it can also be
the diesel-engined Mercedes-Benz C300de can
match the 330e’s agility and sense of connection hugely frugal and even
to the road. It’s also worth pointing out that both
are significantly more expensive to buy, while the
handles rather well, in
330e dips below the £40,000 mark, so you avoid spite of the basket of
the road tax surcharge for ‘premium’ cars.
battery cells in its boot.
According to official figures, you should be The XC90 T8 may be
able to manage up to 36 miles on each charge,
plus it sits in the 10% tax bracket for company car far more practical, but
drivers. The switch from electric to petrol power
and back again is barely noticeable, and it’s even
there’s no hiding from
fairly frugal when the battery is flat. the huge price jump
It’s worth pointing out that the 330e’s boot it requires. Besides, the
is rather small because of the big battery, but 330e can go farther
we have no complaints regarding anything else
inside. Every material feels suitably expensive, the on a full charge and is
infotainment system is a cinch to use and there’s
a decent amount of space in the back. The 330e
far more frugal when
really is a great car. running on petrol alone.
But what of the new
Superb iV? Well, it’s
certainly comfier and
KEY FACTS
List price £39,980 (£40,700 from 1 April 2020)
even cheaper to buy,
Target PCP £409 but it just isn’t as good
Performance
0-62mph 5.9sec to drive and its interior
Top speed 142mph isn’t as swanky.
Running costs
Official economy 176.6-201.8mpg Given that the 330e
combined (WLTP)
CO2 37-32g/km (WLTP)
makes traditional petrol
Company car tax band 10% and diesel versions of the
Insurance group 33
Safety 3 Series obsolete for most
Euro NCAP rating company car drivers, it
y
xy
xy
xy
xy
x simply has to win overall.
97% 87% 87% 76%
(2019)
16 | Reprinted from What Car? Awards 2020 whatcar.com Reprinted from What Car? Awards 2020 whatcar.com | 17
COMPARISON BMW 5 Series vs Volvo S90
BMW 5 SERIES INFOTAINMENT
Hybrid theory
BMW’s iDrive infotainment system
is easy and safe to use, even on
the move, thanks to its rotary dial
controller and high-mounted
10.3in screen. It also responds
With punchy performance and potentially low to touch; this can be preferable
when you’re stationary. Helping
running costs, these plug-in hybrid luxury saloons matters further are scalpel-sharp
graphics, menus that are simple
promise to let you have your cake and eat it to navigate, standard sat-nav and
online services. Disappointingly,
Photography: John Bradshaw Apple CarPlay phone mirroring
is only an option (£235) and
1 Android Auto isn’t available.
2
3
BEST
SYSTEM
1 This lid hides a couple 2 The 530e’s pedals are 3 As in the S90, even
of cupholders and, more offset to the right the 530e’s door pockets
optionally, a wireless than the S90’s, but they are made of soft plastic,
charging dock don’t cause discomfort giving a luxury feel
VOLVO S90 INFOTAINMENT
BEST
DRIVING Volvo likes doing things a little
POSITION differently, choosing to mount its
9.0in touchscreen in a portrait
orientation. It relies on swipes
as well as prods to navigate its
sometimes confusing menus;
this can prove tricky to do on
the move. Some screens also
have lots of tiny icons that do
2 everything from adjusting the
hybrid system to folding the rear
head restraints. While you get
sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and
3 Android Auto are optional (£300).
1
1 Look underneath the 2 Physical air-con 3 Interior looks great,
THE CONTENDERS DRIVING weight of those batteries, the 530e is more refined than the slightly centre armrest and you’ll controls would be but switches such as
BMW 5 Series Volvo S90 Performance, ride, is far better at hiding its extra flab. coarse S90’s, too. find a disappointingly more useful than these these don’t feel quite
530e M Sport T8 Inscription Pro handling, refinement It feels keener to turn in to corners, While both cars officially return shallow storage space ones for the stereo as solid as the 530e’s
List price £50,000 List price £58,555 its body leans less and it copes well over 100mpg under the new
Both cars pack a 2.0-litre petrol with mid-corner bumps in a much and supposedly more realistic
engine that’s boosted by an more composed fashion, giving WLTP fuel economy tests, the way BEST
electric motor, but their power you a greater sense of confidence. plug-in hybrids work means these TO
outputs aren’t even close. While With the S90 being softer figures are slightly misleading. DRIVE
the turbocharged 530e has a total and wallowing more in corners, Your actual economy will depend
system output (engine and electric you’d think it would have a more on factors such as how much
motor combined) of 249bhp, the comfortable ride, right? Well, it charge you have in the battery
S90 packs a whopping 385bhp, does initially seem that way on and the length of your journey.
On paper, this is the This top-spec S90 comes thanks its petrol engine being roads that are free of challenging With the batteries fully charged
most efficient version of our with plenty of toys and much turbocharged and supercharged. obstacles. However, all it takes is a and EV mode selected (preventing
favourite luxury car. more power than the 530e. Being four-wheel drive rather pothole or expansion joint to send the engine from firing up except
than rear-wheel drive like the 530e, a sharp shock up through your under hard acceleration), we
CUTTING CO2 EMISSIONS to save regular ‘self-charging’ hybrids, the S90 catapults you off the line, seat and unsettle the car. covered 18.1 miles in the 530e and
the planet may be of utmost you can charge a plug-in hybrid’s managing 0-60mph in a startling The 530e is certainly firmer, 20.7 miles in the S90 on electricity
importance, but it can be a battery from the mains, to give 4.8sec. The 530e is no slouch, especially on optional 20in alone. But with the batteries
trifle dull, can’t it? Take cars, for an official range on electric power though, taking a respectable 6.1sec wheels, yet it has a consistency depleted and the engines The 530e is relatively agile and well balanced; it’s quieter, too S90 wallows in bends and the ride gets upset by sharp bumps
instance: if you’re after good alone of between 20 and 30 miles. to reach 60mph from rest. It’s a to its ride that makes it the more
efficiency, most of the options In the blue corner is the BMW similar story on the move, with comfortable car for more of the EQUIPMENT
are either sluggish hatchbacks or 530e, the plug-in hybrid version the S90 proving far quicker when time, and it’s even better when ✓ Standard 7 Not available Alloy Adaptive Two-zone DAB/ Infotainment Apple Massage Adjustable Parking Rear-view Keyless Metallic
wheel cruise climate Bluetooth/ screen size CarPlay/ seats lumbar sensors camera start/entry paint
unfashionable diesels. of our reigning Luxury Car of you accelerate through the gears. fitted with optional adaptive size control control sat-nav Android Auto support front/rear
So, what do you do if you’re the Year. In the not-quite-so-blue However, the 530e is better to dampers (£985), which we
after a speedy saloon with petrol corner is the Volvo S90 T8, a car drive in a number of key ways. recommend. The 530e is also
BMW 5 Series 19in £965 ✓ ✓/✓/✓ 10.25in ✓/7 £795** £275 ✓/✓ £375 ✓/£695 £685
power? No, the answer isn’t to get that may look quite sensible but, Although these cars aren’t as agile noticeably quieter at 70mph, Volvo S90 19in ✓ ✓ ✓/✓/✓ 9.0in £300*** ✓ ✓ ✓/✓ £400 ✓/✓ £700
a horse to tow it half the time; it’s as you’ll find out, has a devastating as their conventionally powered generating much less road noise. * Three-year subscription ** Only with comfort front seats (£1265) *** Plus two extra USB ports
to look at a plug-in hybrid. Unlike sucker punch. counterparts, due to the extra Put your foot down and its engine
18 | Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com | 19COMPARISON BMW 5 Series vs Volvo S90
BMW 5 SERIES VOLVO S90
BEST BEST BEST
FRONT BOOT REAR
SPACE SPACE SPACE
suitcase and with the rear seatbacks in place
measured with a 560x350x230mm Antler
Boots’ suitcase-carrying capacities are
1105-1970mm 950mm 985mm 935mm
280-375mm 940mm
1440mm 1120-2030mm 485mm
1495mm 1425mm 1460mm
855-1390mm
1025mm
755mm 1120mm 1095mm
785mm
Boot 410 litres Passengers are unlikely to complain about space, but they’ll need to pack light, because the boot is much smaller Boot 500 litres Clever packaging of the hybrid system means far more boot space in the S90, while rear seat passengers get more
Suitcases 5 than you’ll find in other 5 Series models. Folding rear seatbacks are a £335 option, with release levers in the boot Suitcases 8 leg room than in the 530e. Electric folding rear head restraints are a nice touch should you have no one in the back
WHAT THEY WILL COST All prices correct at time of testing running, the 530e averaged a again, a couple of tall adults will STATS, SPECS AND RATINGS
respectable 33.1mpg, whereas the still fit in without complaint. A BMW 5 Series Volvo S90 SAYS
S90 managed just 25.8mpg. larger central tunnel for middle 530e M Sport T8 Inscription Pro
seat passengers to negotiate Width 1868mm Width 2025mm With its stylish interior and roomy rear seats,
BEHIND THE WHEEL counts against the S90, though. the S90 has lots of showroom appeal. It’s
Driving position, visibility, Should you need to carry long 1479mm 1443mm seriously fast, too, but it lacks the handling
667mm 685mm
build quality items, the S90 gets folding rear skills to back up all that performance.
BMW 5 Series Volvo S90 seatbacks as standard, but you’ll Given that it’s also significantly more
Cheaper to run for private Competitive on PCP finance but There’s no doubt about the fact need to pay £335 for them in the expensive on everything but PCP finance,
and company car users could cost far more in fuel that you’re getting into a luxury 530e. Thus equipped, the 530e 2975mm 2941mm the S90 has to lose out to the 530e. The
car when you slide behind the scores for having convenient 4936mm 4963mm latter is sharper to drive, quieter inside and
PRICES wheel of either of these. Both release levers in the boot, while more comfortable most of the time.
List price £50,000 £58,555 come with plush leather seats as the S90 has electric releases near ECONOMY & EMISSIONS There’s a large ‘but’, though. Yes, you’ll
Company car tax £216, £266 £254, £312 standard, although the S90’s are the rear headrests. OFFICIAL Combined 122.8mpg OFFICIAL Combined 128.4mpg save a lot in company car tax, but unless
(until April 2019, 2020) superior, thanks to full electric With the rear seats up, the S90’s MPG (WLTP) MPG (WLTP) you charge your car regularly to make the
Contract hire (per month) £380 £529 adjustment with memory, a boot is far bigger, swallowing eight Test MPG 33.1mpg* Test MPG 25.8mpg* most of their electric range, a 2.0-litre diesel
massage function and softer carry-on suitcases with a bit of Fuel cost per 12,000 miles £1441** Fuel cost per 12,000 miles £1629** 5 Series will drink far less fuel. With that in
nappa hide. The 530e makes do room to spare, whereas the 530e Tank 46 litres Tank 60 litres mind, the 520d is still our pick of the range.
RESALE VALUE BY YEAR with part-electric seats and, unlike can manage only five, due to the CO2 emissions (NEDC) 49g/km CO2 emissions (NEDC) 49g/km
60 n BMW 5 Series n Volvo S90 in the S90, you have to pay extra hybrid gubbins underneath. The Real-world electric range 18.1 miles Real-world electric range 20.7 miles
for adjustable lumbar support and regular 5 Series saloon’s boot is Test MPG result gives you an indication of a car’s real-world fuel economy when driving gently. Tests are carried out in controlled conditions at a private test track.
1
50 * Battery fully depleted ** Based on Test MPG and real-world electric range, assuming journey distances of 40 miles and an electricity cost of 13p/kWh
a memory function. much more capacious.
40 Forward visibility is slightly
Value (£1000s)
better in the S90, because its BUYING AND OWNING SAFETY
30 £25,764 windscreen pillars are slimmer, Costs, equipment, reliability,
20 £23,000
but its shallower rear window safety and security Euro NCAP crash rating yyyyy Euro NCAP crash rating yyyyy
0 year 1 year 2 years 3 years
makes looking out the back All protection 91% 85% 81% 59% All protection 96% 84% 74% 76%
slightly trickier than in the 530e. You can buy an S90 T8 only
THREE-YEAR COST At least both get front and rear in high-spec R-Design Pro or
n Depreciation n Insurance n Servicing n Road tax parking sensors, with rear and Inscription Pro trim; our test POWERTRAIN
n Fuel (Test MPG) n Electricity (real-world range) 360deg bird’s eye-view cameras car was the latter and has a list Engine 4cyl, 1998cc, turbo, petrol, Engine 4cyl, 1969cc, turbo/supercharged,
BMW 530e
on the options list. price that trumps the 530e’s by plus electric motor petrol, plus electric motor
BMW 5 Series £2841 £880 £1076* For Sharper handling; cheaper to buy and
As for interior quality, both more than £8000, widening even Peak power 248bhp @ 5000rpm (combined) Peak power 385bhp @ 6000rpm (combined)
run; excellent infotainment system
have plenty of dense, squidgy further after discounts. You’d Peak torque 214Ib ft @ 1350-4250rpm (engine) Peak torque 295Ib ft @ 2200-4800rpm (engine)
Total Against Seriously compromised boot; firm
£32,571 plastic throughout, along with have to hit the 530e’s options list Gearbox 8-spd automatic Gearbox 8-spd automatic
edge to the ride on 20in wheels
leather and leather-effect garnish hard to match the S90’s standard
£22,737 £3246* on the top of the dash and doors, equipment, though. PERFORMANCE Weather conditions Dry
£1791 plus expensive-looking trims. Factor in heavier depreciation,
Volvo S90 £3234 £880 £1217* However, the 530e feels that little pricier insurance and that inferior
bit better screwed together. Digital fuel economy and the S90 works Top Top
Total instrument panels are standard on out more expensive to run for a 0-60mph speed 0-60mph speed
6.2sec 146mph 4.8sec 155mph
2
£40,454 both, but the 530e’s have sharper private buyer over three years by
£29,617 £3670* graphics, so they’re easier to see. a whopping £9000. However, PCP
£1836 finance costs are almost identical, Acceleration Acceleration
SPACE AND PRACTICALITY thanks to a 0% APR deal on the
* Assuming journey distances of 40 miles and an electricity cost of 13p/kWh 30-70mph through the gears 5.7sec 30-70mph through the gears 4.2sec
Front space, rear space, S90 at the time of writing. If you’re
PCP FINANCE COSTS 30-50mph in kickdown 2.4sec 30-50mph in kickdown 1.7sec
seating flexibility, boot a company car driver in the 40% 50-70mph in kickdown 3.3sec 50-70mph in kickdown 2.5sec
Three-year term, £10,000 customer deposit, 10,000 miles per year tax bracket, the S90 will cost you
Tall drivers will find that the 530e’s just under £40 more each month, Braking Braking
Car BMW 5 Series Volvo S90 seat goes back a little farther and while monthly leasing rates are 30-0mph 8.5m 70-0mph 45.0m 30-0mph 8.0m 70-0mph 44.3m
Monthly cost £565 £564 there’s significantly more head around £150 more expensive. Noise Noise
room. The S90’s optional sunroof Both cars come with a three-pin Volvo S90
Manufacturer deposit contribution £5953 £2000 At 30mph 59.7dB At 70mph 65.5dB At 30mph 59.6dB At 70mph 66.0dB For More rear seat space; bigger boot;
(part of a £1600 pack) is to blame domestic cable, while a faster
Optional final payment £18,054 £25,764 for at least part of that, but even Type 2 cable costs £50 for the S90 longer electric range; exceedingly rapid
those over six feet tall won’t find and £165 for the 530e. Using the Against Sometimes crashy ride; wallowy
Representative APR 5.0% 0% CARS PICTURED
their head touching the roof. latter in a 7kW home wallbox, handling; thirsty petrol engine
Excess mileage charge 11.6p per mile 14.9p per mile BMW 530e M Sport with Mediterranean Blue paint (£685), M Sport Plus Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Pro with Mussel Blue paint (£700), Bowers & Wilkins
Those in the back will find the the S90’s battery can be fully Package (£2190), Comfort Package (£1995), head-up display (£995), stereo (£3000), Xenium Pack (£1600), blindspot information system (£500),
Other fees na na S90 has a bit more leg room but a recharged in two hours and the powered bootlid (£430), folding rear seats (£335), lumbar support (£275) heated rear seats (£300), smartphone integration (£300)
fraction less head room, although 530e’s in three hours.
20 | Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com | 21FIRST DRIVE FIRST DRIVE
BMW X5 xDrive45e BMW 7 Series
New plug-in hybrid luxury SUV trumps virtually all of its rivals with Luxury limo gets a new look, engine and infotainment upgrades
a 54-mile electric-only range On sale Now Price from £64,745 and more advanced tech On sale Now Price from £73,600
Doug Revolta tidier handling than the XC90. And the air Alan Taylor-Jones petrol engine instead of the previous model’s
Doug.Revolta@haymarket.com suspension, while being slightly firmer than Alan.Taylor-Jones@haymarket.com slightly gruff four-cylinder unit, so it’s refined
usual, still provides a very comfortable ride, even when the battery charge is depleted. The
ALTHOUGH YOU MIGHT have already read especially on the motorway. It’s more supple IF YOU’RE IN the fortunate position of looking 750i’s V8 is more noticeable, but we suspect
about a thirsty new BMW SUV (the X6) than the XC90 around town, too. to buy a massive luxury liner of a car, the intended buyers will appreciate its burly
elsewhere in this issue, the German brand is, The driver has a choice of Sport, Hybrid and BMW 7 Series has always offered something a background rumble. Power has increased by
in fact, endeavouring to include more cars Electric driving modes to sort out how the car little different from rivals such as the Audi A8 79bhp to 523bhp – enough to hurl this vast limo
in its line-up that don’t drink like a bunch uses its petrol and electric power, but it’s best and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Although it can down the road with enough force to embarrass
of students on fresher’s week. Indeed, it has to just leave it in Hybrid. Do this and the X5 cosset its occupants, it’s also a firm favourite for many out-and-out sports cars.
pledged to launch 10 new or revised electrified shuffles between its different power sources those who want to drive rather than be driven. You can hustle the 7 Series along a winding
vehicles by the end of 2020 – one of which very smoothly. When the petrol engine cuts A raft of upgrades for 2019 aim to bring the road, but even with optional four-wheel
is this plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive45e, which in, it does so without much fuss – exactly what fight to its more recently released or refreshed steering helping to tuck its nose into corners,
succeeds the previous-generation xDrive40e. You can keep it all-electric or let the car juggle the power you’d want from your hybrid. And unlike many rivals. If you look past the giant grille – a whole Interior is plush but a little too much like the 5 Series’ it can’t hide its bulk. Add in steering that blots
Until this year, plug-in hybrid SUVs were of the breed, which can have 40% bigger than before – you’ll find a revised out any information about
in relatively short supply. Now, though, Audi that gets its energy from a BUYER’S FILE grabby and inconsistent infotainment system with the latest software diesel, expected to be the BUYER’S FILE grip and you’ll soon go back
and Volvo both have at least two apiece in 24kWh battery under the rear BMW X5 xDrive45e xLine PHEV brakes, the xDrive45e’s are and improved voice control, as well as a new, most popular choice, engine BMW 745e PHEV to a more relaxed cruise.
their line-ups, with the latter brand’s seven-seat seats. The fuel tank has been Price £64,745 barely any different in feel fully digital instrument cluster and improved options include a heavily A five-seat interior is
Price £78,485
XC90 T8 being our reigning Plug-in Hybrid of relocated beneath the boot Engine 6cyl, 2998cc, turbo, petrol, from the standard X5’s. semi-autonomous driving functionality. reworked 4.4-litre petrol V8 standard, but you can also
Engine 6cyl, 2998cc, turbo, petrol,
the Year, while Mercedes-Benz is rolling out floor to make room for the plus electric motor The only cable you get The car promises to be quieter, too, thanks in the 750i and new plug-in specify a four-seat setup
plus electric motor
plug-in versions of the GLC and GLE and Land battery, so boot space is down Power 389bhp (combined) as standard enables slow to thicker acoustic glass on the side and rear hybrids (745e and 745Le). The with reclining rear pews. In
Torque 443lb ft (combined) Power 389bhp (combined)
Rover has the Range Rover Sport P400e. by 150 litres compared with charging at a rate of up to windows and improved sound deadening former will be available in the long-wheelbase car, rear
Gearbox 8-spd automatic Torque 442lb ft (combined)
Given that the regular versions of the X5 other X5 models, and you 3.7kW, boosting the battery around the rear seat area. If comfort for rear standard length with four- seat space is just as plentiful
0-62mph 5.6sec Top speed 146mph Gearbox 8-speed automatic
are already impressively smooth, classy and can’t have a spare wheel. from 0-80% in around five seat passengers is the priority, there’s also a wheel drive, while the latter as you’ll find in its rivals, so
Economy 188.3-235.4mpg combined 0-62mph 5.2sec Top speed 155mph
luxurious, adding electric power to offer even The X5 isn’t quite as roomy hours. To charge any faster, long-wheelbase variant that stretches the gap offer a choice of lengths and Economy 122.8-141.2mpg combined you can stretch out in total
(WLTP)
more relaxing low-speed progress and lower inside as the equivalent Audi CO2, tax band 34-27g/km (WLTP), 6% you have to pay extra for between the front and rear wheels by 14cm. rear or four-wheel drive. (WLTP) comfort. There’s loads of
fuel bills sounds like a winning combination. Q7, and unlike the XC90 you another cable. In addition to the 3.0-litre six-cylinder Adaptive air suspension CO2, tax band 52-46g/km (WLTP), 10-13% supple leather and classy
The xDrive45e is powered by a smooth six- can’t have the hybrid with Given that it’ll be slightly is standard on all models, wood trim, but it lacks the
cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor seven seats, but space is hardly stingy, and cheaper to buy than the equivalent Q7 and allowing you to pick between wow factor of the S-Class’s
BMW’s infotainment system beats all rivals for XC90, it’s clear that the plug-in hybrid X5 has a maximum waft, a firmer sports setting and a interior and the configurable digital dials are
ease of use, especially on the move. lot going for it, especially as a company car. In mode that adapts to your driving style. Rippled harder to read than those in the A8 and S-Class.
But here’s the eye-popping news: the X5 is fact, the only black mark against it is the lack of roads are smoothed off well, although the All in all, while the 7 Series is improved, we’d
officially capable of covering 54.1 miles on seven seats. softest (Comfort Plus) mode can make the still take the A8 for its superior comfort, finish
electric power alone – nearly twice as far as 7 Series feel a little wallowy. Expansion joints and refinement.
most of its rivals can manage. It also means the and potholes cause more of a thud than you’d
X5 will be a cheap company car as of April, when get in an A8, at least on the optional 20in
tax bands take into account electric ranges. SAYS wheels fitted to our test cars. SAYS
The good news continues when you drive
the car. It’s smooth, quiet and very quick if
A potential game-changer Otherwise, the 7 Series is impressively
hushed. Road and wind noise are well isolated,
Plug-in hybrid impresses, but it
you wish to prioritise performance over fuel with an outstanding electric while the 745e can drive in whisper-quiet can’t quite match its best rivals
economy. Although it doesn’t control body range; it’s great to drive, too electric mode for up to 36 miles (officially) for comfort and interior quality
movements quite as well as other X5s, it’s while emitting as little as 48g/km of CO2.
still good to drive, with accurate steering and The hybrid now features a silken six-cylinder
22 | Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com Reprinted from What Car? 2019 / 2020 whatcar.com | 23You can also read
