We've known BMW was set to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the X5 for years now but the wait in the US has been a bit longer than other markets. Well, the delay is finally over as the 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV has officially been announced for the US market with full engine specs and pricing. As expected, this new X5 PHEV ditches the 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the previous model in favor of a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six.

The combined output of the hybrid drivetrain is rated at 389 horsepower (an increase of 81) and 443 lb-ft (an increase of 111). BMW says the new xDrive45e can hit 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, which is 1.2 seconds quicker than the previous generation model. The tremendous torque of the hybrid drivetrain also results in a 7,200-pound towing capacity.

The xDrive45e includes three driving modes: Hybrid, Electric, and Sport. Hybrid Mode enables electric-only driving at speeds of up to 68 mph while Electric Mode ups this number to 84 mph. BMW says this new X5 PHEV has 30 miles of electric-only range, which is more than double the outgoing model's 14-mile EV range. The battery has also been integrated into the underbody of the car, meaning the PHEV model only loses 0.8 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up or 1.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Most of the other specs remain close to the standard X5 and last year's 2020 model but for 2021, the X5 now features standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This highly-anticipated update should be coming to the 2021 X7 and 3 Series as well. Pricing for the 2021 X5 xDrive45e PHEV starts at $65,400 plus a $995 destination fee, putting it between the xDrive40i model and the V8-powered xDrive50i. Deliveries are expected to begin in July 2020.