derBayerische September/October 2021 - 27

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B M W X 5
replacing the rear differential and the
catalytic converters), both BMW NA
and my preferred BMW Center
worked with me to help defray the
costs. Ordered with the optional
third-row seat, we could count on two
hands the number of times we used it!
It was this experience on which
we based our evaluation of the wonderful
2022 X5 45e. In short, the G05
X5 is mean, serene and (sort of)
green.
First, we've noticed that the
third-row seat option is no longer
available. No doubt, the take-rate for
that option was not worth the supply
chain investment. As an aside, since
its launch, the BMW X7, which has
the standard and appropriately sized
third-row seating, is selling at an
annual rate of over 20,000 units.
The G05's exterior and interior
(Above) With this much space, who needs a minivan?
as part of our 2021 X3 purchase. With
the famous naturally aspirated inline
six-cylinder engine, our 2007 X5
proved to be a sturdy and fun-to-drive
family vehicle. That X5 went with us
for our four-year stint in Southern
California and returned with us when
we moved back to the Washington,
DC area. Our 2007 X5 spent time in
Philadelphia, Jersey City, Manhattan,
California, the Carolinas, Alabama,
and Texas. While not trouble free,
every time an unusual, major out-ofwarranty
repair was needed (e.g.
(Below) The California Marriott hotels have complimentary charging!
designs reflect the influence of another
BMW acquisition - that of RollsRoyce.
Prior to the Rolls-Royce
acquisition, BMW exterior designs
(with the exception E65 and E60) were
known for their taut athleticism and
Hofmeister Kink while the interiors
were known for their minimalistic
German practicality. The Rolls-Royce
influence has injected an upscale aura
to both. The exterior designs are
characterized by their bold features (in
particular the grill, front and rear
fascias, and fender gills), while the
4 5 e
interiors have decidedly English
luxury design cues, such as the
diamond upholstery, glass controls,
and contrasting color leather.
The M-Sport package, with its
21-inch wheels and aggressive front
and rear fascias, makes the 2021
BMW X5 45e look " meaner " . Think of
Georg Hackl in his Olympic prime or
Franz Beckenbauer in his soccer playing
prime. (Note that both of these
athletes are Bavarians).
To provide credibility to that
aggressive design, the previousgeneration
X5 40e's 240-hp 2.0-liter
turbo four is replaced by the proven
282-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inlinesix.
When paired with a single electric
motor, which is sandwiched between
the engine and the eight-speed automatic
transmission, the new straightsix
helps generate a combined 389
horsepower and 443 foot-pounds of
torque (up from 308 horsepower
and 332 foot-pounds of torque). This
added power and truly allowed us to
consistently propel this almost 7,000pound
(GVRW) SAV from 0-60 in
around 4.5 seconds.
The optional executive package
and optional multi-contour seats
enhance the 2022 X5 45e upscale
performance luxury driving experience.
The panoramic " sky lounge "
LED sunroof, glass controls, headsup
display, four-zone automatic
climate control, and Harmon Kardon
surround sound system effectively
compliments the hybrid powertrain's
quiet, sure, and smooth power
delivery. This coupled with the outstanding
handling provides a serene
driving experience, whether in urban,
suburban, " off road " , or open road
environments.
Of course, the interior has more
than enough cargo area for the requisite
weekend big-box warehouse
shopping trip (34 cubic feet, and 73
cubic feet with the second row seats
folded) and for extended family
driving vacations. Without the thirdrow
seats, there is a handy " hidden "
cargo space that's underneath the rear
cargo deck.
The hybrid powertrain provides
September I October
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derBayerische September/October 2021

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