With the market launch of the new BMW X5 xDrive45e, the drive portfolio of the Sporty Activity Vehicle (SAV) is now being expanded to include a plug-hybrid system. The second-generation of the BMW X5 with electrified drive combines a model-specific in-line six-cylinder petrol engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology with the very latest BMW eDrive technology.
Consistent progress in the area of plug-hybrid drive has produced a system output now increased to 290kW, a tangible enhancement in terms of electrically powered range and a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 levels as compared to the predecessor model.
More impressively than ever, the second-generation of the plug-in hybrid model combines the purely electrically powered driving pleasure of a BMW plug-in hybrid model with the versatility that is typical of a Sports Activity Vehicle. In doing so, the new BMW X5 xDrive45e offers optimised qualities in terms of both driving dynamics and efficiency.
Electric drive
With an electrically powered range of 67 to 87 kilometres in the new WLTP test cycle or some 86 to 97km, according to the NEDC test cycle, the figure achieved by the predecessor model has been more than tripled. At the same time, the combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the new BMW X5 xDrive45e have been virtually halved, according to BMW.
The fuel consumption figures are now 1.9 to 1.2 litres per 100km in the WLTP test cycle or 2.0 to 1.7 litres per 100km in the NEDC test cycle, with the relevant CO2 emissions also being reduced. The top speed when driving on electric power alone is increased from 120 to 135km/h.
Power and performance
These improved levels are the result of a completely newly developed drive technology. It comprises a 210kW in-line six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine from the current BMW EfficientDynamics drive family and the fourth-generation of BMW eDrive technology. An electric motor with an output of 83kW, a lithium-ion battery with a gross energy content increased to 24.0kWh and further developed power electronics for intelligent energy management give the plug-in hybrid system of the BMW X5 xDrive45e unique performance characteristics as well as an impressive level of efficiency.
Together, the two drive units generate a system output of 290kW along with a maximum system torque of 600Nm. The combustion engine and electric motor deliver their power to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission of the latest generation and the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive.
BMW says that the new X5 xDrive 45e takes 5.6 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100km/h, which is 1.2 seconds faster than the predecessor model. Its top speed is 235km/h.
The new BMW X5 xDrive45e will be available in South Africa in the fourth quarter of this year (2019).
