BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV: The Plug-In Hybrid That Hauls Like a Boss
The BMW X5 xDrive50e is a heavyweight premium SUV that brings plug‑in hybrid power to the towing table. In the premium SUV segment, few vehicles nail the “do-everything” brief quite like the BMW X5.
The xDrive50e PHEV version elevates that reputation by adding electrification without sacrificing the towing muscle that makes the X5 a favourite among caravanners, boat owners and weekend warriors. With a 3.0‑litre straight‑six petrol engine paired to a 25.7 kWh battery and an electric motor, the combined output is around 483–489 bhp and 700 Nm of torque — figures that give the X5 genuine low‑down pulling power and effortless motorway progress. The model’s official technical data also lists a braked towing capacity of up to 2,700 kg and a towbar download (nose weight) of 140 kg when specified for towing, making it capable of handling most UK caravans and medium trailers when correctly equipped.
The verdict? This is one of the most refined heavy-haulers you can buy.
You can view our range of towbars and prices here.
Powertrain & Performance Under Load
At the heart is BMW’s familiar 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six (313 hp on its own) married to a 197 hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic. Combined output: 489 hp and a massive 700 Nm of torque available from virtually zero rpm.
That electric torque is the game-changer when towing. Step on the throttle with a 2,000 kg trailer and the X5 surges forward with zero lag — the e-motor fills in the low-end while the six-cylinder wakes up seamlessly. Owners who’ve towed boats report the same: “surprisingly impressed with the torque & comfort.”
Even better: with a healthy state of charge, the xDrive50e can tow on pure electric power for low-speed manoeuvring or gentle motorway cruising — something you rarely see in a PHEV this heavy. Push harder and the petrol engine joins in, but the transition is imperceptible. Acceleration to highway speeds with a trailer feels brisk rather than laboured; 0-62 mph solo is around 4.8 seconds, and the hybrid still feels quick when loaded.
Hill climbs? No drama. The combination of xDrive all-wheel drive, optional adaptive air suspension (standard on many 50e specs) and that torque keeps the nose planted and the trailer tracking straight even on steep gradients.
Stability & Towing Dynamics
Stability is where the X5 shines brightest. At 2,495 kg kerb weight, it sits low and wide, and the rear air suspension (when fitted) automatically levels the ride height when a trailer is detected. In What Car? Tow Car Awards testing, it earned a perfect 5/5 for towing: “unflustered at all test speeds… emergency lane changes without any hesitation or nervousness.”
Practical Caravan’s real-world tow test echoed this: towing a large twin-axle Swift, “any movements are slight and over almost as soon as they have begun.”
BMW’s integrated trailer stability control and optional Towing Assistant (with camera-guided hitch view and predictive path lines) make hitching up a one-person job. The factory-optional hitch is discreet and rated for the full 2,700 kg (towball download limit 140 kg). One quirk: the power-operated tailgate’s kick-to-open function is disabled with the tow pack fitted — a small price for the extra capability.
Braking is strong and predictable. The regenerative system works intelligently with the trailer; you can even select stronger regen modes to help slow the rig on descents without overworking the friction brakes.
Efficiency: The PHEV Party Trick
This is where the xDrive50e separates itself from conventional tow vehicles. WLTP figures claim up to 64 miles of electric range and over 300 mpg combined (when charged) — but what matters for towing is real-world behaviour.
With a full battery, towing a twin-axle caravan delivered almost 45 mpg in mixed conditions (per Practical Caravan testing). Once the 25.7 kWh battery is depleted, consumption settles at a respectable 18-22 mpg while towing — impressive for a 2,495 kg luxury SUV pulling 2,000+ kg.
Solo driving (no trailer) easily returns 30+ mpg on a charge, and the 50+ mile real-world EV range covers most daily commutes or school runs emission-free. Charging is straightforward: a 7.4 kW wallbox takes around 4.5 hours; faster 11 kW options or public chargers work well too.
The hybrid system’s Battery Hold and Battery Charge modes let you save or top up the battery for the return leg of a trip — perfect for towing to a remote campsite and wanting silent, efficient running on the way back.
Practicality & Everyday Living
Inside, the X5 remains a five-star luxury lounge. The curved iDrive display, crystal-clear head-up display and massaging seats make long towing days effortless. Boot space drops slightly to around 500 litres with the battery pack (still plenty for weekend gear), and the five-seat layout is standard.
Payload is generous at up to 780 kg — enough for passengers, luggage and a loaded trailer without worrying about GVWR.
Ride comfort is excellent even when unladen; the air suspension irons out potholes while maintaining composure when hooked up.
The Verdict: A Towing PHEV Done Right
The BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV isn’t just capable of towing — it excels at it while delivering the kind of refinement and efficiency that makes you question why you’d ever buy a diesel or pure petrol hauler. It’s quick, stable, comfortable and genuinely frugal when you use the plug. Yes, the 2,700 kg limit is a compromise versus non-hybrid X5s, but for 90% of private towing duties (caravans, boats, horseboxes, car trailers) it’s more than enough.
Pros • Instant electric torque makes towing feel effortless • Class-leading stability and towing aids • Impressive fuel economy with a charged battery • Luxurious cabin and refined ride • Strong residual values and low running costs for a PHEV (plus low BIK for company drivers)
Cons • Tow rating lower than pure-ICE X5s (3,500 kg) • Battery reduces boot space slightly • Needs regular plugging in to unlock full potential • Pricey (from around £77,000 depending on spec)
If you want a premium SUV that can tow a serious load and sip fuel on the daily grind, the X5 xDrive50e is currently one of the smartest choices on the UK market. It’s not just a tow car — it’s a genuinely desirable daily driver that happens to pull trailers brilliantly. Highly recommended.
