[BillD1953]

Hello forum members,

Contemplating exchanging my 2015 MB 350 ML (130,000 flawless miles) for a new X5 45e.

I own a 2018 X3 M40i (60,000 flawless miles) and owned a 2016 2 series 6MT (this car was a blast but at age 68 trouble roliing in and out of the small coupe.

I'm not a fan of gas/elec hybrid stuff. I'd rather burn gasoline than plug a car in after driving just like I enjoy burning diesel fuel in my lobster boat sedan.

But I must say the 45e cost/value vs the 40i standard feature to standard feature plus a $7500 fed tax credit on the 45e is a deal that seems too good to pass up.

I can't see a reason not order the 45e and take the tax rebate vs ordering the 40i gasser ?

End of the year is coming and BMW usually has some additional rebates/discounts etc.

I've read most all the 2022 45e and 40i pro con threads.

45e IMO is a better value

[taek]

You can always drive it mostly in sport mode, which uses the combustion engine almost always.

I'd still get a 45, the electric & combustion engine blending is completely seamless. The instant and smooth power at low speeds is amazing. If you can somehow find a 45e on a lot somewhere for a test drive, you might change your mind. I love the air suspension which isn't available on the 40i.

Main negatives would be:
- Dealer discounts on the 45e are lower than a 40i, at least they were for me.
- Allocations for 45e may be tougher to get, I ordered mine in July but now my dealer has a huge waiting list. If you order now and take delivery next year, your tax rebate won't come until 2023 returns
- No 3rd row possible, no spare. Slightly higher cargo floor. Can't order 22" wheels.
- For fastest charging need to install a L2 EVSE and possibly upgrade your garage power. But if you don't plan on using the battery much, that might not be worth the cost for you. You might just use the included L1 charger. If you're driving around exclusively in Sport mode you'll be charging your battery fairly quickly anyway.

[kplatinum777]

Originally Posted by taek

You can always drive it mostly in sport mode, which uses the combustion engine almost always.

I'd still get a 45, the electric & combustion engine blending is completely seamless. The instant and smooth power at low speeds is amazing. If you can somehow find a 45e on a lot somewhere for a test drive, you might change your mind. I love the air suspension which isn't available on the 40i.

Main negatives would be:
- Dealer discounts on the 45e are lower than a 40i, at least they were for me.
- Allocations for 45e may be tougher to get, I ordered mine in July but now my dealer has a huge waiting list. If you order now and take delivery next year, your tax rebate won't come until 2023 returns
- No 3rd row possible, no spare. Slightly higher cargo floor. Can't order 22" wheels.
- For fastest charging need to install a L2 EVSE and possibly upgrade your garage power. But if you don't plan on using the battery much, that might not be worth the cost for you. You might just use the included L1 charger. If you're driving around exclusively in Sport mode you'll be charging your battery fairly quickly anyway.

As of this writing (10/15), you can get air suspension on the 40i. There was a time earlier this year when they temporarily disallowed that feature, but it’s back. I know because my 40i was spec’d as such, before I had them switch it to a 45e.

On the 40i, it’s bundled with the third row. On the 45e, it’s just standard. You’re right about the load floor being higher on the 45e, though. And you’re also right that you can’t get a third row *or* a spare tire with it.

[allinon72]

I've never considered a hybrid, ever. Never gave them a second look. However, the value proposition is very high with the 45e, both because of the tax credit and the gas savings. In my case my wife will be driving it and the range is perfect for her daily commute.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by kplatinum777

As of this writing (10/15), you can get air suspension on the 40i. There was a time earlier this year when they temporarily disallowed that feature, but it’s back. I know because my 40i was spec’d as such, before I had them switch it to a 45e.

On the 40i, it’s bundled with the third row. On the 45e, it’s just standard. You’re right about the load floor being higher on the 45e, though. And you’re also right that you can’t get a third row *or* a spare tire with it.

Just so people aren't confused, the air suspension is not a standalone option on the 40i like it had previously been. You can only get the air suspension if you choose the third row.

[YuicyYumboYack]

Yes the 45e is a great deal, and I don't think many deals like this are going to present themselves in the future.

Just curious, why don't you want to plug in after driving? It's an extra step, but you quickly get used to it and you significantly cut down on how often you have to go to the gas station. If it's a driving experience thing, totally get it. But I'll also say that the minimal cabin noise while driving in electric mode is a huge plus for me.

I've had the car for about 3 months now, and don't regret the purchase at all.

[jad03060]

Do you plug your smartphone in each night, and maybe once during the day? It's not a big deal to plug the thing in or remove the plug when you're ready to go. It gives you the option of conditioning the cabin before leaving without impacting the battery charge. You can precondition the cabin (the engine does not run, so you can do it in your garage which the 40i can't, or at least shouldn't do). Your mileage will likely be better on the 45e versus the 40i, and the power/weight ratio is almost exactly the same, even though the 45e weighs more (which might, depending on how your state does registration, cost more), but that weight, down low, also means, at least to me, it's more stable.

You do not need to try to stop on a longer trip to recharge, but if you find a free place, and you've got the time (say overnight, it can help. The roads traveled will still give you some EV boost, even if the computer says your EV range is zero, and if you're going down a longer grade, you could actually end up with a fully charged battery if it was long enough.

I think my 45e is probably the best vehicle I've owned. Not the most efficient, but close, but it's also the largest and heaviest by a long shot for all of the others.

How quickly you can get one will depend on your dealer's unsold allocations and which weeks they are in...he does not get a new allocation just because he sells another vehicle...he gets to customize or fill one of his allocations to match your request. It does change the priority for that week versus a vehicle ordered for stock, but today, given the current chip shortages, most dealers seem to be selling vehicles to order, not out of their on-site stock. FWIW, my dealer has only about 20% of his normal new vehicles sitting on his lot with most sales going to customer orders.

[FastMarkA]

I feel like you might have preconceived notions about a PHEV, so I'd ask you to consider the following:

• Would you enjoy waking up and having at least 30 miles of range on your car?
• Does Auto Start/Stop annoy you? (No A/C, the pause when it's time to go, etc.)
• Would you find nearly instant acceleration from 0-50 exhilarating?
• Does $7.5k mean something to you?
• Want to heat or cool your car in a closed/confined space?

I have the 45e, I *had* the 40i, and I'd take the 45e all day over the 40i.

It's a pretty simple chore to pick up a plug that weighs all of 0.9 lbs and stick it in the socket on my car, but wow...the benefits of a PHEV have simply changed my view on electric propulsion.

Like, going to a gas station. I didn't realize how much I hated that chore until I got the 45e. I've only been twice in 1,600 miles.

Here's the thing: if you go into this with the attitude that fossil fuels are how you want to get around, don't even consider it. But I'd strongly suggest studying the overwhelmingly positive comments here about the 45e, taking one for a spin, and who knows...you might even like it.

I can tell you this: after having this 45e, I don't ever see myself getting a strictly ICE car ever again, unless it's something classic I'd buy for a hobby.

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by BillD1953

I'm not a fan of gas/elec hybrid stuff. I'd rather [not] plug a car in after driving... But I must say the 45e cost/value ... seems too good to pass up.

Isn't that kinda like saying,

"I'm not really a fan of hookers, but this one is a great value so I'm gonna hire her, but then we're just gonna watch TV"?

If you're not going to take advantage of a product's value prop, then how can it ever be a good value?

[ksavostin]

Yes for 45e:
-$7500 tax credit (if you don't have much liabilities then you will not get it)
-if you drive ~30 miles a day you can save in average ~$3 on this distance due to electric miles are cheaper than gas miles.
-Quieter in electric mode (someone can doesn't like it due to no engine sound).

No for 45e:
-No 22inch wheels in US for 45e. I had to pay $4500 for 22'' OEM wheels and $2400 for tires.
-Car feels heavier (363kg/800punds weight).
-Winter time will decrease electric efficiency, car will lose some battery % staying on cold outside and it also will lose energy to heat interior since 45e uses battery to heat interior, expect to lose up to 20-30% of energy on 30-35 miles trip.
-we love X5, it is fun to drive. However, everyday electric driving makes this car not so fun, it is like driving chunky heavy van, especially in hybrid eco pro mode it is so boring and slow. Hybrid mode seems okay, not fun as sport but not as slow as eco pro mode, although it "eats" battery energy a bit faster than eco pro.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by GrussGott

Isn't that kinda like saying,

"I'm not really a fan of hookers, but this one is a great value so I'm gonna hire her, but then we're just gonna watch TV"?

If you're not going to take advantage of a product's value prop, then how can it ever be a good value?

I pay my hookers to listen to me talk...and to plug my plug in

[1MOREMOD]

Yeah everyone knows the value is in getting the hooker to leave when you're done with her, activities during are irrelevant.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by GrussGott

Isn't that kinda like saying,

"I'm not really a fan of hookers, but this one is a great value so I'm gonna hire her, but then we're just gonna watch TV"?

If you're not going to take advantage of a product's value prop, then how can it ever be a good value?

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Yeah everyone knows the value is in getting the hooker to leave when you're done with her, activities during are irrelevant.

What style plug do you have? Most people are plugging in with a J1772 as tip is smaller than Trump style toadstool Chademo? Or what's your fancy?

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

What style plug do you have? Most people are plugging in with a J1772 as tip is smaller than Trump style toadstool Chademo? Or what's your fancy?

Don't know what any of this means

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

What style plug do you have? Most people are plugging in with a J1772 as tip is smaller than Trump style toadstool Chademo? Or what's your fancy?

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Don't know what any of this means

What style is your tip?

[BillD1953]

Thank you gents

[geddylee]

Just one point of clarity is that you can still get the air suspension on the 40i when the 3rd row option is checked.

[Thedenn]

Hey BillD….understandably evaluating cost/value is important but at this level, I’m going to assume driving experience might out weigh any number crunching to help justify your purchasing decision.

With that said, I never thought I would buy a hybrid…absolutely no way. However, when I learned I would be unable to deactivate the auto start/stop in the 40i, I decided I would at least test drive and consider the 45e.

My initial experience was extremely positive. For me, the undetectable or seamless transition between electric and ICE made the decision a no brainer. Some have complained about the extra battery weight; my view on this topic is it allows the vehicle to be planted on the road; the air suspension also makes driving a complete joy.

Can’t really comment on the hooker references and I totally disagree with the mention of a “chunky drive” or heavy van drive. Yes it is a heavy vehicle but it’s well balanced. After almost a year of ownership, my experience is one of smooth, quiet, efficient, energetic, comfortable and practical SUV ownership.

Good luck with your decision…

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

What style is your tip?

Whistle bro

[91Eunos]

Originally Posted by allinon72

I've never considered a hybrid, ever. Never gave them a second look. However, the value proposition is very high with the 45e, both because of the tax credit and the gas savings. In my case my wife will be driving it and the range is perfect for her daily commute.

Ditto