2021 head-to-head · Midsize & Large SUV
2021 BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid vs Tesla Model X
MPG, range and what each one really costs you to fuel, from official EPA ratings and recalculated with your own gas and electricity prices.
AWD · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo · 8-speed automatic · 50 MPGe + 20 MPG
The 2021 Tesla Model X is the cheaper one to run. Driving 15,000 miles a year with 18¢/kWh electricity and $3.95/gal premium gas, it costs about $864 a year to fuel (105 MPGe), versus $2,204 for the 2021 BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid (50 MPGe + 20 MPG). That's roughly $1,340 a year, or about $6,702 over five years.
Your numbers
Change these to match your driving and local prices. Every figure and chart on this page updates.
Fuel cost over 10 years
- BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid
- Tesla Model X
Side by side
| BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid | Tesla Model X | |
|---|---|---|
| $2,204 | Your annual fuel cost | $864 |
| 50 MPGe + 20 MPG | Combined efficiency | 105 MPGe |
| 47 MPGe / 19 MPG | City | 109 MPGe |
| 54 MPGe / 22 MPG | Highway | 101 MPGe |
| 63 kWh | Electricity use (kWh/100 mi) | 32 kWh |
| 400 mi | Driving range | 371 mi |
| 31 mi | All-electric range | — |
| 178 g/mi | Tailpipe CO₂ (g/mi) | 0 g/mi |
| 7/10 | EPA fuel economy score | 10/10 |
| 9/10 | EPA greenhouse gas score | 10/10 |
| 5 hrs | Charge time at 240V | 15 hrs |
| Plug-in hybrid | Powertrain | Electric |
| Premium gas + electricity | Fuel | Electricity |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Engine / motor | Electric motors (369 kW) |
| 8-speed automatic | Transmission | Single-speed |
| AWD | Drivetrain | AWD |
✓ marks the better value. EPA scores run 1–10 (10 is best). Volumes come from the EPA interior volume index and aren't published for every body style.
BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid vs Tesla Model X across model years
- BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid
- Tesla Model X
Annual fuel cost of the most efficient configuration of each model year, at your prices. Click a point to open that year.
How they differ
The BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid goes farther between stops: about 400 miles on a full tank and charge, compared with 371 miles for the Tesla Model X.
Among 65 2021 midsize & large SUVs, the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid ranks 12th and the Tesla Model X 1st for lowest fuel cost.
Because the Tesla Model X is fully electric, it has no tailpipe emissions and its running cost depends almost entirely on your electricity rate. Cheap overnight home charging widens its advantage over the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid; relying on DC fast chargers can erase it.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the 2021 BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid or the 2021 Tesla Model X?
Measured by cost to drive, the Tesla Model X. The BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid is rated 50 MPGe + 20 MPG combined and the Tesla Model X 105 MPGe (EPA, most efficient configuration of each).
How much does it cost to fuel the 2021 BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid vs. the Tesla Model X per year?
At 15,000 miles a year with 18¢/kWh electricity and $3.95/gal premium gas, about $2,204 for the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid and $864 for the Tesla Model X.
Which has more range?
The BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid: about 400 miles versus 371 miles.
BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid vs Tesla Model X in other years
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