BMW has announced its first production plug-in hybrid – the Spartanburg-built X5 xDrive40e SUV with xDrive intelligent all wheel drive and EfficientDynamics eDrive technology.
The automaker said intelligently controlled interaction between the combustion engine and electric drive together generate total system output of 313hp. It returns a EC test cycle combined fuel consumption of up to 85.6mpg, and combined electricity consumption of 15.3kWh. CO2 emissions are 77g/km.
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The powertrain consists of an I4 petrol engine with TwinPower turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor integrated with the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The lithium-ion battery pack can be topped up with mains electricity from a standard domestic power socket, or more quickly from a wallbox, as well as at public charging stations. Charging from dead flat takes just under four hours. The high-voltage battery also supplies power to the battery for the 12V electrical system via a voltage transformer and is housed underneath the luggage compartment floor, well protected in the event of a crash. With a capacity of 500-1,720-litres, the luggage area is little compromised compared with other X5s, BMW claims. The standard charging cable can be stored in a hinged compartment under the luggage area floor.
Short journeys in urban areas can be completed with zero tailpipe emissions while actual fuel consumption is reduced substantially when driving up to about 15 miles in urban traffic, the automaker says. The result is an equivalent 94.2mpg, setting a claimed new benchmark for efficiency in the segment.
On longer journeys, when both combustion engine and electric motor are in use, the powertrain keeps the fuel consumption and emissions figures far lower than in comparable models with similar power outputs, BMW claims. Assuming the high-voltage battery is fully charged, daily commutes of up to 37 miles can be completed with a fuel consumption of no more than 43.5mpg, depending on driving style.
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By GlobalDataWith fuel tank filled to its 85-litre capacity and the battery pack charged, the X5 xDrive40e can achieve petrol consumption above 25.7mpg. The PHEV version accelerates to 62mph (100km/h) sprint in 6.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 130mph. In all-electric drive, the vehicle is capable of a top speed of 75mph, also electronically limited.
An eDrive button switches the powertrain from the default auto setting. The electric motor alone is used for setting off with normal power requirements while the engine cuts in at around 44 mph or when the driver wishes to accelerate fast. The driver can also switch to the all-electric drive mode setting Max eDrive, powering the SUV solely by the electric motor. This mode is designed for comfortable driving with zero local emissions, and offers a maximum range of approximately 19 miles at a limited top speed of 75mph.
The third mode is the Save Battery setting, which allows the driver to conserve or build up the high-voltage battery’s reserves for later.
A Driving Experience control switchswitches between Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro which each alter throttle mapping, steering characteristics, responses of the eight-speed transmission, as well as the characteristics of the standard dynamic damper control.
Styling and equipment changes include a charging point in the left front wing with blue LED energy flow monitors while the exhaust system has a twin tailpipe design with trapezoidal tips. There are also eDrive logos on the tailgate, roof rails, doorsill strips with blue background and the centre console.
Standard specification includes self levelling rear air suspension and two zone automatic climate control extended to include auxiliary heating and ventilation system with electric instantaneous water heater and an electric refrigerant compressor which can precondition the car prior to driving.
Other standard features include xenon headlights, LED fog lights, an automatic tailgate, Dakota leather upholstery, heated front seats, and 40/20/40 split folding rear seats.
The Professional navigation system and DAB digital radio are also standard along with cruise control with braking function and driving assistant plus BMW’s ConnectedDrive services, such as eDrive Services providing the driver with charging stations details, Online Services and real time traffic information. The standard wheels are 18-inch light alloys in a double-spoke design.
The X5 xDrive 40e goes on sale in autumn. Prices will be announced later.
