New (290 kW) BMW X5 xDrive45e confirmed for South Africa…

By: CAR magazine

BMW South Africa has confirmed it plans to launch the new X5 xDrive45e derivative locally, with the plug-in hybrid model expected to be available from July 2019 production (and thus in SA from around September). The new four-cylinder X5 xDrive25d, meanwhile, doesn’t appear to be on the cards for SA.

The xDrive45e combines a turbocharged six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with an electric motor, which together generate total system outputs of 290 kW and 600 N.m. That’s enough, says the Munich-based firm, for the new variant to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 5,6 seconds, before topping out at 235 km/h.

BMW says the X5 xDrive45e – which features the firm’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission as standard – is able to travel “up to 80 kilometres” on electric power alone (at speeds up to 140 km/h). Claimed fuel consumption is thus as low as 1,7 L/100 km.

Interestingly, the newcomer will be equipped with something BMW describes as “acoustic protection” for pedestrians. When driving on electric power, an “unmistakable sound” created for electrified BMW models is generated using a system of speakers, warning those on foot of the approaching vehicle.

With the high-voltage battery positioned in the underbody area of the vehicle, the X5 xDrive45e’s luggage compartment volume is some 150 litres less than those of standard combustion-engined models. BMW says the boot can swallow 500 litres, or up to 1 716 litres with the seats folded down. Pricing, of course, has yet to be announced.

In addition, the local X5 range will gain a handful of new options from August 2019, including BMW Individual Merino full leather trim (with three different colour choices) and a BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite or Ivory White Alcantara. The palette of colours for the exterior will expand to include Manhattan metallic and BMW Individual paint finishes Tanzanite Blue metallic and Ametrine metallic.

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