2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e
The 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e is a plug-in hybrid SUV. It has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 308 hp (230 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.8 seconds and top speed is 130 mph (209 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2016 BMW X5 XDRIVE40E
The 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e was BMW’s first plug-in hybrid SUV. It combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor built into the eight-speed automatic gearbox, for a combined output of 308 hp and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm). It drives all four wheels through xDrive and, like every X5 of this generation, was built in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
How the plug-in hybrid works
A lithium-ion battery of around 9 kWh, mounted under the boot floor, can be charged from a household socket or a public charger. On a full charge the X5 xDrive40e can drive about 14 miles (22 km) on electricity alone according to US EPA testing, at speeds up to around 75 mph. Once the battery is depleted it runs as a conventional hybrid. Drivers can choose modes that prioritise electric driving, combine both power sources automatically, or save the battery’s charge for later — for example, for driving in a city.
Who it suits
The xDrive40e makes most sense for drivers who can charge regularly and do many short trips, where it can use very little fuel. On long motorway journeys with a flat battery, fuel economy is similar to — or slightly worse than — the petrol six-cylinder X5, because it carries the extra weight of the battery and motor. The battery also raises the boot floor slightly, reducing cargo space, and it was offered only as a five-seater.
Buying one
As well as normal checks, ask about the high-voltage battery’s condition and charging history, make sure the charging cable is included, and check that any software updates and recalls have been completed. Battery capacity reduces gradually with age, which shortens electric range.
Rivals
Plug-in rivals of the time included the Volvo XC90 T8, Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid and Mercedes-Benz GLE 550e.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 30, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | X5 xDrive40e |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2016 | Version / Trim | BMW 2016 X5 xDrive40e |
| Body Style | SUV | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Estoril Blue Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic, Sunset Orange Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | United States |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 2,000 cc |
| Power | 308 hp / 230 kW | Torque | 450 Nm / 332 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.8 sec | Top Speed | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
| Range / Economy | 23 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy | ||
| Electric Range | 14 miles (23 km) | Max Charge Rate | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,933 mm | Kerb Weight | 2,040 kg (4,497 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2016 SUVS
Compared with other 2016 SUVs in our database, its 308 hp is 15% more than the average 2016 SUV (268 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.6 seconds quicker than average, and it is 11% heavier than the typical SUV.
| 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e | Average 2016 SUVs | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 308 hp | 268 hp (116 cars) | +15% |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 334 Nm (116 cars) | +35% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.8 s | 7.4 s (125 cars) | -22% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 120 mph (125 cars) | +9% |
| Kerb weight | 2,040 kg | 1,832 kg (132 cars) | +11% |
| Engine size | 2,000 cc | 2,736 cc (125 cars) | -27% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2016 SUVs with similar power to the 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e | 308 hp | 5.8 s | 2,040 kg |
| 2016 Lexus GX 460 | 301 hp | 7.7 s | 2,245 kg |
| 2016 Volvo XC90 AWD | 316 hp | 5.7 s | 2,065 kg |
| 2016 BYD Song Plus DM-i | 325 hp | 6.5 s | 1,755 kg |
| 2016 Ford Explorer 2WD FFV | 290 hp | 7.5 s | 1,970 kg |