BMW X5 xDrive40e EV Charging Cable

Quick recommendation

The xDrive40e is the first plug-in hybrid X5, built from 2015 to 2018 on the F15 body. It has a 9.2 kWh battery and a Type 2 socket, and its onboard charger is rated 3.7 kW. That single number decides the purchase: a 16A Type 2 to Type 2 cable is all this car can use.

At 3.7 kW the pack goes from empty to full in about 2 hours 45 minutes. Fit a 32A cable and the figure does not move, because the limit is inside the car. Fit the 32A three phase cable and it still does not move. Spending more buys nothing here, unless you want the cable to outlive the X5 and serve a faster car later.

A Type 2 to 3 Pin cable is a sensible second purchase for this particular model. Because the battery is only 9.2 kWh, a 2.3 kW trickle still finishes in around 4 hours 30 minutes, so an ordinary household socket at a hotel or a relative's house is genuinely usable rather than a last resort. That is not the case on a full electric car.

Take care not to confuse the xDrive40e with the plug-in X5s that followed it. The xDrive45e of 2019 to 2023 has a much larger 24 kWh battery but the same 3.7 kW charger, so it needs the same 16A cable and simply takes longer. The xDrive50e from 2023 moved to a 7.4 kW charger with 25.7 kWh usable, and that one does want the 32A cable. Trim level makes no difference to any of them.

The xDrive30d, xDrive40d, xDrive40i, M60i xDrive and X5 M are not plug-in hybrids and have no charging socket.

Choose 5m where the charge point is next to the bay and 10m where it is not. Type 2 to Type 2 cables are IP55 and Type 2 to 3 Pin cables are IP67. All cables include same-day dispatch on working-day orders placed before 2pm and a 2 year manufacturer's warranty.

BMW X5 xDrive40e Charging Times

X5 xDrive40e, F15, 2015 to 2018, 9.2 kWh battery

BMW X5 xDrive40e Charging Cable FAQs

Which cable does the BMW X5 xDrive40e need?

A 16A Type 2 to Type 2 cable. The F15 xDrive40e has a 3.7 kW onboard charger and a 9.2 kWh battery, so 16A supplies everything the car can accept and returns a full charge in about 2 hours 45 minutes. Larger cables cost more and change nothing at all.

Would a 32A cable speed up my xDrive40e?

No. The 3.7 kW ceiling is built into the car, so a 32A cable and even a 32A three phase cable both give the same 2 hours 45 minutes. The only argument for buying one is future proofing, if you expect to replace the X5 with a car that charges faster.

Is the xDrive40e different from the xDrive45e and xDrive50e?

Yes, although the 45e shares its cable. The 2015 to 2018 xDrive40e holds 9.2 kWh and the 2019 to 2023 xDrive45e holds 24 kWh, but both charge at 3.7 kW on 16A. The xDrive50e from 2023 stepped up to 25.7 kWh usable and 7.4 kW, so it wants a 32A cable.

Is a 3 pin cable practical on this car?

More so than on most. At 2.3 kW a 9.2 kWh battery still fills in roughly 4 hours 30 minutes, so an ordinary domestic socket overnight is a workable option when you are away from a charge point. Keep it as a backup rather than your everyday method at home.

How can I tell whether my X5 plugs in?

Only the e badged hybrids do. The xDrive30d, xDrive40d, xDrive40i, M60i xDrive and X5 M have no charging socket and no traction battery to fill. If your X5 is a diesel or a straight petrol, none of the cables on this page will connect to it.

Is 5m or 10m better for the xDrive40e?

5m is enough for a wallbox fitted beside the parking space on a private drive. Go for 10m if you park kerbside, share a workplace post, or need to reach across the car. Since charges are short on this model, the shorter cable is easier to coil and store.