Following the success of their i8 hybrid-sports car, BMW is starting to transfer their eDrive system to their “core” models. The first vehicle to get the plug-in hybrid treatment is the X5, BMW’s largest SUV. Earlier this week, BMW introduced their new X5 xDrvie40e. The new hybrid promises to combine the same level of practicality, sportiness and luxury that you can expect from a SUV with the efficiency of a hybrid vehicle.
It’s not everyday that you see a X5 plugged in.
When it comes to power, the X5 xDrive40e will be comfortable with-in the rest of the X5 models. With a combined power output of about 313hp, the hybrid will have around the same power level as the sDrive35i and xDrive35i. The new hybrid will get its power from a four-cylinder gas engine equipped with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor. BMW reports that the new X5 hybrid, even with its large size, will make around 85 mpg and will have a range of about 19 miles when in all-electric mode.
The new X5 xDrive40e will also have some performance capabilities. Like the i8, the new X5 will be able to use the power from the electric motor with the engine to boost the performance. The new hybrid will also be all-wheel drive and will come equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, BMW’s Adaptive Suspension Package Comfort that incudes rear air suspension and Dynamic Damper Control. On top of all of this, the xDrive40e can also be fitted with any of the performance parts available for the other X5 models.
Even with the battery under the floor, the X5 appears to not have lost any of its luggage space.
To wrap it up, it seems like BMW has developed the new X5 xDrive40e to be as much like a typical X5 but has electric power. The battery for the new hybrid has been placed underneath the luggage compartment floor for crash protection that also makes the battery pack less intrusive. If BMW follows this same trend, than we might have to expect more hybrid versions of popular BMW models. However, I think that a M4 hybrid might cause some displeasure among the fans of the performance coupe.
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