2021 BMW X5 XDRIVE45E M Sport Auto 3.0L Hybrid electric (clean) · SM71 AEO

Fuel economy for the xDrive45e depends heavily on how regularly the battery is charged — official WLTP figures suggest up to 54 mpg combined, though real-world figures drop significantly if the vehicle is rarely plugged in. With around 20,800 miles per year recorded, fuel costs are likely to be a major expense. The 2,998cc petrol engine places this X5 in a relatively high road tax bracket, though the hybrid system should keep Benefit-in-Kind costs lower than a conventional petrol X5 of similar power. Insurance is expected to be in a high group given the performance and value of the vehicle.

Servicing and maintenance costs for a BMW X5 of this age and mileage are substantial — annual servicing at a BMW specialist typically costs £400-£600, and brake disc and pad replacement can exceed £600. Tyres for the M Sport trim are likely to be a recurring expense, as the recent MOT failure demonstrates. Adding fuel, tax, insurance and typical maintenance, an annual running cost of around £3,200-£3,800 should be expected, depending heavily on charging habits. Buyers should also budget for occasional higher-cost repairs, as the plug-in hybrid system and xDrive components are expensive to fix if they fail.

The most recent MOT failure was due to exposed ply or cords on the nearside rear tyre — inspect all four tyres for tread depth, age (DOT date code), and even wear, as uneven wear on a four-wheel-drive vehicle can indicate alignment or suspension issues. Confirm that the covers and shields mentioned in both the failure and pass records are properly fitted and undamaged. Model-wide MOT data for the X5 shows tyres and suspension arms as the top failure reasons, so pay particular attention to suspension components, including wishbones, control arms and bush condition. Listen for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces during a test drive.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain adds additional inspection points that MOT testing does not cover. Have the high-voltage battery state of health checked using BMW diagnostic equipment, as degraded cells are a known long-term issue on PHEVs. Test the charging system on both a home wallbox and a public charger if possible, and verify the range on a full charge matches expectations (around 50-54 miles WLTP, less in real-world conditions). Check for any warning messages on the iDrive system related to the hybrid system, and ensure the charging port flap and cable locks operate correctly. Finally, inspect the underbody for corrosion or damage, as the X5 xDrive45e weighs over 2.5 tonnes and any undertray or shield damage should be rectified to prevent further issues.