BMW has revealed its first production plug-in hybrid model.
The 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a total system output of 313 hp from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology combined with an electric motor. According to the German automaker, the 111-hp electric motor is is integrated into the SUV’s eight-speed transmission and depending on the driving mode, it works on its own or in combination with the four-cylinder engine. It has an all-electric range of 19 miles with a top speed of 75 mph.
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Despite weighing 5,080 lbs, the X5 xDrive40e can accelerate to 62 mph from a standstill in 6.8 seconds although its top speed is limited to 130 mph. All-wheel drive will be standard on the model and is always operating, even in all-electric mode. Speaking of modes, the electric powertrain has three to choose from: Auto eDrive, Max eDrive and and Save Battery. The Auto eDrive aims for the most efficient use of the powertrain while Max eDrive switches the X5 to electric only mode. In Save Battery mode, the vehicle will work to maintain and raise the battery charge so that it can be used at a later time. Those three hybrid mods can also be combined with BMW’s traditional Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro settings.
On the outside, the X5 plug-in hybrid differs with minor details compared to the standard gasoline and diesel X5 models. Naturally there’s an additional door for the charger port and model-specific badging. Those that want it to look sportier can even add an M Sport package as well as 19- or 20-inch wheels. One thing that does differ in the xDrive40e is the smaller cargo space, which has been reduced to accommodate the lithium-ion batteries.
Expect more details on the X5 xDrive40e’s fuel economy closer to the vehicle’s launch.
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