Hundreds of people lined up this week in Ramat Gan to see and even order electric vehicles from a new brand from China, BYD. The prices started at about NIS 156,000 and discounts were not discussed there, but everyone waited patiently. In those very hours, tens of thousands of activists demonstrated across Europe in protest of inflation and skyrocketing energy prices.
It is not easy to explain the strange picture of “rich” Israel versus “poor” Europe, even though the buying spree in Israel is far from that in Europe. In theory, Israel’s macro data is not significantly better than Europe’s: inflation is rearing its head, interest rates are at an all-time high and rent prices are skyrocketing. There are those who try to explain this with the “Dubai syndrome”. That is, Israel is a country that exports gas at record prices and thereby accumulates wealth, which also seeps into consumers. Others claim that it is a lasting psychological compensation for the corona virus, and there are those who point the finger at the capital gains of high-tech workers.
The Israeli automotive industry does not have too much time to wonder what the reason is. The industry is busy delivering every new car that arrives in Israel. Business is particularly stressed in the premium segment – since January, approximately 18,000 new vehicles have been delivered, almost 30% more than in all of 2019.
The sales boom is being created this year by the “green” luxury vehicles, especially those equipped with plug-in drive. They are purchased not to clear the environmental conscience of the buyers in the face of global warming, but mainly to anticipate the approaching jump in taxation on plug-in cars. Yes, wealthy people also like to save. One of the prominent representatives in this category is the BMW X5 plug-in in the 45E version, which comes with an impressive green credit, at least on paper, with one of the largest batteries in the category (23 kWh) and an electric range of up to 84 kilometers.
Impressive presence and comfort
Externally, the latest generation of the X5 has undergone several cosmetic updates since it was launched at the end of the previous decade. It looks more mature, but still has an impressive presence on the road. It occupies a considerable area thanks to a length that reaches 5 meters and a width of more than 2.2 meters between the mirrors, and its nose exposes the brand’s enormous grill and aggressive air intakes. The profile of the muscular side is also immediately recognized.
Although in the United States and Europe it is a popular family vehicle, but in Israel it is a kind of “business card on wheels”, which conveys “don’t mess with me” – and buyers are well aware of this.
Despite all the exterior splendor of the passenger cabin, which includes leather upholstery, wood and metal trims and a high level of finish, the cabin was designed for active families. Although the plug-in version does not include a third row of seats in favor of the battery and the electric motor, the rear seat can accommodate three adults – or three baby seats side by side – with enough freedom of movement for the younger generation on long trips.
The trunk offers 500 liters before folding the seat. The standard entry threshold is quite high and the air suspensions can be lowered for the entry of the shorter ones we built.
The command post combines a useful digital dashboard and a large and fast multimedia screen next to it. This digital array is not as impressive as the panoramic screens of the electric BMW IX, and the human engineering of the X5 is also much more conservative.
However, the members of the generation who did not grow up with a screen in hand, will adapt to them much faster. At this price you can expect a very comprehensive equipment, and as standard – the X5 does include almost every equipment item that is typical for this segment, including one of the best semi-autonomous assistance systems in the segment.
Electric travel for long distances
BMW’s plug-in hybrid drive system, which we recently met in the 545 model, suits this heavy recreational vehicle well. It combines a 3-liter turbo gasoline engine, a powerful electric motor and a large rechargeable battery, and it produces a maximum combined power of 394 hp in the most sporty mode.
Quite a few powerful plug-in models boast about protecting the environment, but this is one of the few tools that comes close in the real world to the stated savings and range figures. Those who make sure to charge the battery on a regular basis (6.5 hours from the home power grid), keep a light foot on the pedal and let the computer manage the transfer of power in the automatic programming mode – will be able to reach a realistic electric range of about 50 km and close the month with very little Visits to the gas station.
It is also possible to cruise at 135 km/h on electricity alone, and the pedal response will still be sharp enough in the electric mode not to put the driver to sleep.
But of course those who spend almost 200 thousand dollars do not do so to keep the flowers. It only takes a slightly heavier foot on the pedal or a shift into Sport modes to propel this whale forward at a serious pace befitting its aggressive looks. In such a situation, the consumption drops to around 12 km per liter. In all programming modes, the transfer of power between the electric motor and the gasoline engine is smooth and there is even a pleasant engine sound at high rpm.
Price for serious only
As impressive as the powertrain is, the real star of the vehicle is the air suspension system. Calibrating such suspensions is a tricky business, but the X5’s suspension system provides the occupants with absolute comfort, which you don’t even get in the expensive big brother X7.
The tendency of the body in turns is minimal, and despite the feeling of a “flying carpet” and the massive dimensions – the vehicle still keeps the driver in the picture with enough control for dynamic fun on winding roads.
The BMW X5 in the 45E version costs NIS 678,000. This is a serious price for a serious vehicle, not everyone likes the image associated with it, but we have already driven in the last two years in vehicles that cost twice as much, and did not come close to the level of refinement, comfort and versatility offered by this vehicle. Let’s hope he survives the impending tax assassination.
Some of the competitions
Volvo XC90 RECHARGE
The plug-in version costs NIS 570,000. It is equipped with a 2-liter turbo-gasoline engine and two electric motors and transmits a power of 455 hp to all wheels. The acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 5.4 seconds and the electric range reaches 68 km. The cabin is luxurious and spacious.
Volvo XC90 RECHARGE / Photo: Yeh’ach
Range Rover Sport plug-in
The new generation includes a plug-in drive, which combines a 3-liter gasoline engine, an electric motor and a 31 kilowatt-hour battery, which produces 434 hp and is capable of moving on electricity for a range of up to 77 km. The design is elegant and the cabin is innovative. The vehicle has not yet arrived in Israel, so the price has not yet been published.
Ranger Rover Sport Plug-in / Photo: Yeh’ach
Mercedes GLE 350de
The plug-in version costs NIS 674,000. The drive combines a 2-liter turbo-diesel engine with an electric motor and a large battery. The combined power is 320 hp and a torque of 70 kgm. The declared electric range is up to 97 km. The acceleration from zero to 100 takes 6.8 seconds, and the cabin is luxurious.
Mercedes GLE 350de / Photo: Yeh”c