Fourth-gen X5 goes PHEV
BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance is the name of the Bavarian SUV's plug-in hybrid variant, announced today and slated for market launch in 2019.
While you may want to refrain from mentioning the full, multi-character designation of the model to your friends, its facts and figures could become talking points because they are quite impressive.
For starters, the second-generation hybrid X5 comes with a 3.0-liter inline-six petrol engine that makes 286 hp on its own (the previous hybrid X5 had a 2.0-liter unit). Then, there’s an electric motor that generates 112 hp, and a lithium-ion battery with “extended storage capacity,” which is located in the underbody, although BMW wouldn’t say exactly how big the battery is. Together, the combustion engine and electric motor produce a total output of 394 hp and 600 Nm.
Power is sent to all four wheels through BMW’s Steptronic 8-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive system. In other words, both the 3.0-liter engine and the electric motor utilize the gearbox for power delivery – separately or together, depending on the settings desired by the driver.
The BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 235km/h (146 mph). When it comes to fuel economy and range, the plug-in hybrid SUV boasts a combined fuel consumption of just 2.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions of 49 g/km, and an all-electric range of “approximately 80 kilometers” – that's around 50 miles, while the fuel tank can hold 69 liters of petrol.
With a big battery under the car, cargo capacity has decreased by 150 liters compared to a non-hybrid X5 and now measures 500 liters in volume when all the seats are used. Fold the rear backrests, and capacity increases to 1,716 liters.
Two-axle air suspension and electronically controlled dampers come as standard, and there’s also integral active steering (a fancy way of saying four-wheel steering) as an option.
The BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance will go on sale in 2019 when we expect to find out more about the model and its price.
READ MORE: BMW M5 Competition breaks cover with 617 HP, stiffer everything