Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid vs BMW X5 xDrive50e

Imagine waking up, unplugging your SUV, and tackling your daily routine in near-silent, electric mobility. You get this when you drive the Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid or the BMW X5 xDrive50e. However, how these spacious models approach electrification differs, and one may provide the flexibility you need.

Despite their similar powertrains, the XC90 Plug-in Hybrid gives you more flexibility:

• Go electric for short trips: Featuring an EPA-estimated 32-mile electric driving range, the XC90 Plug-in Hybrid is perfect for running errands around town without using a drop of fuel.^*
• Travel farther with combined power: When your plans stretch beyond city limits, the Volvo XC90 can travel up to an estimated 530-mile max driving range.^**

While the BMW X5 xDrive50e shares the philosophy of tapping into electric-only range for local trips and using gasoline for longer journeys, you'll likely need to make more frequent stops since the X5 xDrive50e maxes out with an EPA-estimated driving range of 440 miles.

Efficiency and strength merge with the Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid and the BMW X5 xDrive50e in a way that redefines your drive. While remaining environmentally mindful, these SUVs deliver near-instant potent power, perfect for merging or overtaking on the highway.

With a turbocharged engine and a potent electric motor under the hood, the XC90 Plug-in Hybrid and the X5 xDrive50e deliver impressive power of at least 455 horsepower. When you look beyond the numbers, these SUVs tell different stories.

BMW offers three selectable drive modes, each adjusting the vehicle's performance. While impressive, the XC90 Plug-in Hybrid raises the bar with five standard modes, including Off-Road and Constant All-Wheel Drive (AWD) options. These features boost confidence when taking the scenic route home. Plus, the selectable AWD system can help improve fuel efficiency, letting you travel farther between charges.

You know that feeling when your phone just gets you and things go completely your way? Now, imagine the same experience built into your SUV. The Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid and the BMW X5 xDrive50e feature Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, allowing you to sync your smartphone to your SUV.

While this is a great start, the XC90 Plug-in Hybrid offers more with Google built-in. This standard system turns your SUV into a virtual assistant, thanks to the integration of:

• Google Maps: Helps you reach your destination with fewer interruptions, with real-time traffic updates.
• Google Assistant: Recognizes voice commands to find points of interest, play songs, and more.
• Google Play: Incorporates your favorite productivity and entertainment apps.

This system also features a built-in charging station locator so you can find the closest public charging station. It's a small integration that has a major benefit, especially when you're exploring unfamiliar areas. Volvo's exclusive partnership with Google redefines how you interact with your vehicle on a daily basis.

Volvo and BMW believe that automotive safety features should feel like second nature. The XC90 Plug-in Hybrid and the X5 xDrive50e have advanced driver-assist features that work behind the scenes to scan for potential hazards you may have missed. They make their presence known only when necessary, by providing braking, steering, and acceleration support.

Regardless of your chosen model, you have brand-specific access to forward collision warning, lane centering aid, and blind-spot support. Despite these similarities, it's the XC90 Plug-in Hybrid that offers more robust protection, thanks to standard features like:

• Oncoming Lane Mitigation: Helps avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles, including intersections.
• Collision Mitigation Support, rear: Prepares your vehicle for a rear-based collision when a too-quickly-approaching vehicle is detected.
• Pilot Assist: Delivers mild autonomous assistance to aid in travel. It can monitor your alertness and provide gentle reminders as needed.

The BMW X5 xDrive50e offers comparable features, like its Active Protection System. However, it noticeably lacks a junction turning assist feature, a subtle yet powerful safety feature that provides peace of mind when navigating intersections.

There’s a difference between fitting passengers in your SUV and welcoming them. With standard third-row seating and ample cargo space, it’s clear that the Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid was built for life in motion. Can the same be said about the BMW X5 xDrive50e?

The XC90 Plug-in Hybrid's extra space makes it easier to take your kids to soccer practice, load up for a weekend at the lake, or make an impromptu furniture haul. It all fits, and it fits beautifully. But the XC90 Plug-in Hybrid doesn’t stop there. In addition to its extra space, it aims to provide unparalleled comfort and wellness for all on board.

A standard advanced air quality system traps and eliminates up to 95% of PM2.5 pollutants from the cabin. A pre-cleaning system can eliminate these particles before anyone enters the cabin. It also has an optional after-run parking climate system, maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature for 15 minutes. This way, your kids can wait in the car while you run into the pharmacy on even the warmest days. The BMW offers no comparable features.

Finding a few mindful minutes throughout your day can feel like a rarity. Luckily, the Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid and the BMW X5 xDrive50e add calming features, like heated front seats and soothing illuminated ambiance. While the X5 xDrive50e prioritizes high-quality materials and a luxurious look, the XC90 Plug-in Hybrid sticks to minimalist styling that has an almost meditative quality.

Nordico upholstery blends recycled PET bottles and PVC, sustainable materials for a leather-free, environmentally friendly environment. The crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors® is a hallmark of Scandinavian design. With the Volvo, every detail feels like it was chosen with care.

It's undeniable that the X5 xDrive50e is a luxurious model, but it leans more toward an attention-grabbing style, while the XC90 Plug-in Hybrid feels more thoughtful. With the Volvo, you can settle in for the ride ahead and turn every journey into a sanctuary from outside chaos. That subtle serenity is priceless.