BMW X5 xDrive40e EV Charging Cable

BMW's first plug-in X5, and a modest one

The F15 xDrive40e ran from 2015 to 2018 with a 9 kWh gross pack and a 3.7 kW onboard charger. BMW quoted about 19 miles of electric range on the NEDC test, which is what existed at the time; there is no WLTP figure for this car, and anyone quoting one has converted it rather than measured it.

BMW's own numbers were three hours fifty from a domestic socket and two hours forty five from an i Wallbox. A heavier lead makes no difference, because nothing downstream of the onboard charger sets the pace. A 32A cable cannot improve on that, so the 16A lead is the right buy and the saving goes into length.

How long a full charge takes

Hours come from dividing the pack by the power the car actually draws, with 13 per cent added for losses. Our calculated figure and BMW's published one land in the same place, which is a reasonable check on both. BMW publishes gross capacity for this car and not a usable figure, so the table uses 9 kWh and the real number is a little under it.

No DC charging exists on this car, so the Type 2 lead is the only way the battery ever refills. On a ten year old X5 that has changed hands a few times, the original cable has often gone missing, which is usually why owners find this page.

Which length to buy

BMW's UK press release for the xDrive40e puts the socket in the left front wing, describing the right hand drive car, so it is the front nearside and it does not mirror. The flap is separate and sits ahead of the front door.

This is a 4.9 metre car. Nose in with the charge point on the left and 5 metres will do it. Reverse in, or park with the wall box on the offside, and the cable has to run the length of the X5, so 10 metres. The measurement that counts is the one taken with the car in its usual spot, plus a margin for the slack the lead needs.

How these cables are built

Built to IEC 62196-2 and CE marked, with an IP55 rating that covers rain and dust on an exposed driveway, and a working range of -30C to +50C.

On the three pin side the standard is IEC 62752, with CE marking, IP67 sealing and a -30C to +60C range. Backed by a two year manufacturer's warranty, with free next working day delivery and a 30 day return window.

Related: BMW 330e EV Charging Cable, and BMW charging cables for every other model we cover.

BMW X5 xDrive40e charging cable questions

What cable does an X5 xDrive40e need?

A Type 2 to Type 2 lead at 16A. The onboard charger stops at 3.7 kW, so that is everything the car can draw and a 32A cable would finish at the same time.

How long does it take to charge?

BMW quoted two hours forty five from a wall box and three hours fifty from a household socket. Our own calculation on the 9 kWh pack agrees.

Can it use a rapid charger?

No. The xDrive40e is AC only with no DC socket at all, so the Type 2 cable is the only way to charge it.

Where does it plug in?

The front nearside wing. BMW states left front for the UK car, which puts it on the kerb side ahead of the front passenger door, not the driver's side.