BMW X5 xDrive50e and xDrive45e EV Charging Cable

The xDrive50e is a 7.4 kW car, and that matters

BMW's own UK press material for the 2023 facelift says the new Combined Charging Unit doubled the maximum AC rate to 7.4 kW, single or three phase, on a pack of 25.7 kWh usable out of 29.5 gross, with 58 to 68 miles of WLTP electric range. It is worth stating plainly because the figure is widely quoted as 3.7 kW, which is the older xDrive45e.

If you have an xDrive50e, a 32A cable is not an upsell: it is the difference between roughly four hours and roughly eight. If you have the 2019 to 2023 xDrive45e, with around 24 kWh and a 3.7 kW charger, a 16A lead is all the car can use. Spending more on the lead changes nothing, as the car sets the rate.

How long a full charge takes

The calculation is the battery over the delivered kW, uplifted 13 per cent for charging losses, quarter hour rounded. The 24 kWh column is the xDrive45e, which cannot use the 7.4 kW row. The 25.7 kWh column is the xDrive50e, which can, and that is where the top row earns its keep.

There is no DC socket on any X5 plug-in hybrid. Rapid chargers are of no use, and with a pack this size the three pin lead is a genuinely slow overnight job rather than a practical alternative.

Which length to buy

BMW has used the front nearside wing for the X5 plug-in charging flap since the xDrive40e, and stated left front in a UK press release, so it is the kerb side and it is fixed to the body. We have no BMW confirmation for the 2023 facelift specifically, but nothing suggests it moved.

The X5 is nearly 4.95 metres long and wide. Nose in with the wall box on the left and 5 metres is fine. Anything else on a car this size means the lead travels most of its length, 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

Construction is to IEC 62196-2 with CE marking, IP55 weather protection and a -30C to +50C operating range.

The three pin version is an IEC 62752 unit, CE marked and IP67 sealed, specified -30C to +60C. Warranty is two years from the manufacturer, delivery free next working day, returns accepted for 30 days.

Also from BMW: BMW 330e EV Charging Cable. The full range of BMW charging cables is on one page. For a wall box or public post the lead is the Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable.

BMW X5 plug-in hybrid charging cable questions

Does an X5 xDrive50e need a 32A cable?

Yes, if you want the full charge speed. BMW doubled the AC rate to 7.4 kW on the 2023 facelift, so a 32A lead finishes in around four hours where a 16A one takes eight.

What about the older xDrive45e?

That car is limited to 3.7 kW, so a 16A cable does everything it can accept. A bigger lead would finish at the same time.

Can an X5 plug-in use a rapid charger?

No. No X5 plug-in hybrid has a DC socket, so everything goes in through the Type 2 inlet and motorway rapids cannot be used.

Where is the charge port?

The front nearside wing under its own flap, which is the kerb side on a UK car. It is separate from the fuel filler.