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      03-15-2015, 09:23 AM   #26
Needsdecaf
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Drives: 2024 G80 Comp xDrive
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Floriank View Post
I am sure the X5 will be a sportier drive but, in comparison with the T8, it seems just sooo last century.

BMW has sadly missed the opportunity to add that little bit of extra magic to this, their first 'core brand' plug-in hybrid but instead have just added a battery to a standard X5.

The T8 however coincides with a complete refresh of the XC90 and, in my opinion just makes the X5 look old, dated and rather boring.

And, losing the 7 seat capability in the 40e will shift a whole lot of buyers toward the Swede anyway.

This just shows, bolting a battery onto a legacy vehicle not designed for this purpose means that you'll end up having to make too many space compromises.

The 40e probably drives a little more dynamic compared to the T8 but as for the rest - worlds apart! The Beemer has now been in development for years but the final release doesn't seem to show any improvements on what was first teased so many car shows ago - looks like most of BMW's engineers were focused on developing the new 2-Series.

I was waiting for the official details on this one before deciding what to buy next but, I'm afraid, after choosing BMW for my last 5 vehicles it's a case of too little too late.

Now, where's my nearest Volvo dealership....
Yeah, the lack of ground up design really shows. Look at the i3 and i8...they are best in class in terms of packaging, layout, etc.

The X5, on the other hand, is designed to accept a 6 cylinder and 8 cylinder engine. That loooong six kills packaging when the shorter 4 cylinder is used. In addition, the BMW has a conventional AWD system, the boost coming from a motor connected to the transmission.

The Volvo, on the other hand, sacrifices a V8 and V6 option, as well as a conventional AWD system (with hybrid, as the non-hybrid versions use a conventional system) for an electric only drive at the rear wheels. Combined with a 4-cylinder only power train, and you have the ability to have more cargo space and more 3rd row space than in an X5....even with the hybrid.

The Volvo trounces the performance of the BMW as well. a full 80 HP more (395 bhp vs 313; the volvo's petrol engine makes more than the BMW's total system output, telling how it will drive when the batteries are depleted). A full second faster to 60 (5.9 vs. 6.9). More electric range (25 miles vs. 16) and lower emissions (60 g/km for the volvo vs. 77 for the BMW).

I'm by no means knocking the X5 as a vehicle. I love it. You can get it in V8 and M forms. It's a fabulous vehicle. But as far as plug in hybrids go, the XC90 has it covered by a mile.
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