PHEV X5s, Cayennes, etc

[lemming]

I know this is a basic and dumb question, but how come the X5 45e/50e models are so much less expensive than the Caynenne models?

The obvious answer is because the VAG/Porsche premium is stupid, right?

JST piqued my curiosity and I’m looking at getting a CPO X5 45e.

@JST, any more feedback from how the vehicle performs in general?

[SCA]

We had a 2023 45e this past week in Las Vegas. I was impressed with it overall other than the standard seats. If you are thin and tall like myself then seek one with the luxury/comfort seats.

[Josh (PA)]

Especially on the SUV front, the answer is the Porsche premium is EXTREMELY stupid. Ours isn't a hybrid, but I'm still incredibly satisfied with how well our X5 fits its purpose.

[JST]

I like ours so far. It does exactly what I want it to do, and in daily commuting it uses next to no gas (for our commute).

It’s in no way fun to drive but it’s pleasant and great on the highway. It’s also pretty fast when you need it to be.

That said, there’s a big jump in capability between the 50e (which is what we have) and the 45e. The battery is a lot bigger on the 50, which means much more range, and the electric motor is also more powerful. I was looking at used 45s but decided the extra capability of the 50 was worth the jump in price. Plus then you get it new.

[SCA]

Worth every penny. I had the multi-contour seats in my F15 X5. Seems like they cost more then.

[JST]

Yes, I have those seats and they are excellent.

To Lemmings question on price, I can’t see any real justification for how much more the Cayennes are than the X5s. Then again, I haven’t driven a recent Cayenne, so maybe they’re just much better dynamically?

[SARAFIL]

I’m probably biased but really like the current X5 for what it is, and don’t see a Cayenne being $20-30k better. And agree 100% on the comfort seats - they are a must.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by SARAFIL

I’m probably biased but really like the current X5 for what it is, and don’t see a Cayenne being $20-30k better. And agree 100% on the comfort seats - they are a must.

We test drove the Cayenne before ordering our F15. And, while we liked it, the premium just did not make sense.

And, even more damning, I drove some pretty high line Macans before buying my CX-5 in 2021. I thought the CX-5 felt more immediate, connected, and fun, while coming in at about half or more the price. It was more fun than the X3 for some reason, too.

I drove a modern X5 PHEV then, too, and really liked it. It was just more $$ and size than I needed, given I wanted to keep my 2 at the time.

I would be really happy with a PHEV version of my car. But, it is still either or.

[lemming]

Thank you!

Well informed opinions here.

I like the way the X5 looks. I looked into them to be thorough and it seems much more compelling than the Audi or Porsche or MB equivalent.

Do you think I should drive the 45e versus 50e? It will be noticeable, huh?

[JST]

You won’t notice much of a difference if the engine is running; the big difference comes in range and in ability to drive in pure EV mode. IIRC, the 45e has something like 90 hp from its electric motor, so it can drive as an EV but if you ask for any real acceleration the engine kicks on. The 50e has double that, so you can drive
around a lot more naturally in EV mode.