Think about BMW’s plug-in hybrid cars, and the i-range immediately comes to mind. However, BMW has now released its first ever non-i-range plug-in hybrid in the shape of the BMW X5 xDrive40e.
This X5 is equipped with a 9 kW/h lithium-ion battery which helps the electric motor to generate 83 kW and 250 N.m. The 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine develops 180 kW and 350 N.m. The result is a combined power output of 230 kW and 450 N.m. BMW claims a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6,8 seconds and a top speed limited to 210 km/h. On battery power alone, the X5 can hit 120 km/h, and travel for a distance of 31 km.
BMW claims an average fuel and electricity consumption of 3,4 litres per 100 km and 15,4 kW/h. The cabin features the same high standard of luxury than the rest of the range, but, on the centre console an eDrive button has been added. This allows the drive to choose between a few driving modes. In AUTO eDrive mode, the petrol engine’s performance is boosted by the electric power. In the MAX eDrive setting, the X5 will run solely on electric power.
Finally, a SAVE battery mode can also be selected. Then the system will harvest energy by means of recuperation, allowing the driver to use the electrical energy later in the journey.
Even owing to the eDrive button, BMW’s three settings from the Driving Experience Control switch (Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro) can still be selected.
Seeing as BMW has launched the i-range in South Africa, we won’t be surprised to witness the introduction of this X5 later in the year.
