2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs. 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e Comparison

Combining an SUV with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain offers the best of both worlds. You get a commanding view of the road, added interior space typical of an SUV, and the benefit of traveling short distances solely on electric power.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and BMW X5 xDrive50e are two examples of the growing market of plug-in hybrid SUVs. While at a glance, the comparison of a Jeep to a BMW might seem quirky, they have more in common than you imagine.

We’ve put plenty of miles on each during road tests and have discovered they possess some entertaining and unique attributes in their engineering DNA.

Let’s dive into the highlights of these two plug-in hybrids to see how they compare.

2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The Jeep Wrangler needs no introduction; it’s one of the rare models in the automotive world that has earned the title of “icon.” Forged in the throes of WWII, the Wrangler remains one of the most tenacious vehicles when it comes to off-road driving. 

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is no exception. It has all the traditional Jeep design cues — shoebox-like shape, 7-slot front grille — and a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas-electric 4-cylinder producing 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. That whopping amount of torque really gets this Jeep down the road swiftly. In fact, during our time with it, we found the 4xe to be more fun to drive than its non-hybrid siblings.

There are several changes for the 2024 model year. First, the interior and exterior get a cosmetic refresh — though that classic Jeep shape remains, of course. An entry-level Sport S and range-topping Rubicon X join the lineup. The infotainment system gets a round of updates and is controlled via a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Pricing starts at $52,590, including the destination fee. 

Jeep Wrangler 4xe Highlights 

Rubicon models: Every Wrangler comes with 4-wheel drive, solid front and rear axles, underbody skid plates, and much more go-anywhere gear. The Rubicon X adds to this adventurous hardware with a forward-facing off-road camera (available on the Rubicon), a full-time transfer case, front and rear steel bumpers, and rock rails.

Tax credit: The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $3,750; the X5 xDrive50e is not. The tax credit expires at the end of 2024.

Resale value: People love the Jeep Wrangler, which bodes well for resale value. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe should hold onto its value extremely well in the years ahead.

Water-fording seats: Power-adjustable front seats are an available feature, which will be fine if you wish to test your Wrangler’s water-fording maximum of 34 inches. However, we can’t say the same for your shoes or phone. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Wrangler 4xe models near you.

2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e

This 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e rolls into another model year with a number of upgrades, too. Like the Jeep Wrangler, it gets a modest interior and exterior refresh and an improved infotainment system. Specific to the plug-in hybrid, it has more power and greater electric-only driving range than before — the rest of the X5 lineup also benefits from added performance. 

As you can imagine, the X5 boasts the supple ride and nicely balanced steering you expect from a vehicle starting at $74,275, including destination charge. Under the hood is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder that delivers 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via a silky-smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. 

BMW X5 xDrive50e Highlights 

Interior quality: The Jeep Wrangler has a perfectly handsome cabin, but the interior of the X5 is on another level. Standard comfort features include Sensafin synthetic leather, cabin temperature preconditioning, multi-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and heated front seats.

BMW Curved Display: Another feature of the X5 cabin we love is the new curved instrument display that spans the top of the dashboard. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster mounted alongside a 14.9-inch infotainment system looks amazing and is excellent to use.

Electric range: The X5 xDrive50e delivers 22 mpg combined and 40 miles of all-electric driving range, considerably more than the Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s 21-mile electric range.

Cargo volume: Once again, the Wrangler is good, but the X5 is slightly better. Behind the split-folding rear seat is 33.1 cubic feet of space versus 27.7 cubic feet in the Jeep. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the X5 models near you.

Similarities

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe and BMW X5 xDrive50e do a great job balancing outwardly dissimilar tasks — the Jeep is rugged, and the BMW is refined. They provide a handy electric driving range, strong acceleration, superb onboard tech, and ample passenger space. 

Conclusion

We think these two are more than worthy of a test drive, though we’re not sure many Jeep fans would be cross-shopping a posh BMW or vice versa. 

Keep in mind that scaling up to higher trims in the Jeep Wrangler 4xe nudges its price into what you’d expect for a luxury vehicle. 

If you want that classic Jeep look and incredible all-terrain capability, it’s the Wrangler for the win. Should you prefer something more opulent and don’t have rock-crawling drives on your travel agenda, the BMW X5 delivers the goods.