The latest iteration of BMW's X5 SUV will soon receive its first hybrid powerplant option, and based on the numbers it looks like quite the bruiser.
The BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance couples the firm's twin-scroll turbocharged 3,0-litre six-cylinder engine to an 82 kW lithium-ion battery-fed motor, developing a combined output of 290 kW and 600 N.m of torque – good for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5,6 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h.
This hybrid powerplant is capable of propelling the X5 xDrive45e to speeds of up to 140 km/h and a potential operating range of 80 km, solely on electric power. In its hybrid state, the combined fuel consumption is 2,1 L/100 km with a C02 figure of 49 g/km. BMW has stated that these claimed figures are preliminary.
Despite being a plug-in hybrid BMW insists that this X5 will be just as capable off-road as its internal combustion-engined stablemates, thanks to an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that channels power to an eight-speed Steptronic torque converter transmission. Owing to the position of its battery pack, the X5 xDrive45e also boasts a better centre of gravity than other models in the range, but obviously it is a heavier car and 150 litres of luggage space is sacrificed to the hybrid layout.
At present, the local line-up for the new BMW X5 will comprise the X M50d and xDrive30d and will land here towards the end of the year.
