The new BMW X5 xDrive40e PHEV

The BMW X5 xDrive40e is the first plug-in hybrid production car from the BMW core brand. It combines the flexibility and comfortable ambience of the X5, along with the superb traction provided by the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, with BMW’s EfficientDynamics eDrive technology for outstanding efficiency. The drive system of the BMW X5 xDrive40e comprises a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, and a synchronous electric motor integrated with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. The lithium-ion high-voltage battery pack can be topped up with mains electricity from any standard domestic power socket, or more quickly from the BMW i Wallbox, as well as at public charging stations. The high-voltage battery, which also supplies power to the battery for the 12V electrical system via a voltage transformer, is housed underneath the luggage compartment floor, where it is well protected in the event of a crash. With a capacity of 500 – 1,720-litres, the luggage area is barely compromised compared with other X5s. The standard charging cable can also be stored in a hinged compartment under the luggage area floor.

OneShift Editorial Team

18 Mar 2015

The intelligently controlled interaction between the combustion engine and the electric drive, which together generate a total system output of 313hp, endows the BMW X5 xDrive40e with strong acceleration while simultaneously realising a substantial reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. It returns a combined fuel consumption of up to 85.6mpg, and a combined electricity consumption of 15.3kWh. CO2 emissions are just 77g/km.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e reaps the benefits of the technology and know-how transferred from BMW’s i brand, with exceptionally efficient performance as well as all-electric mobility with zero tailpipe emissions, as and when required.

Bespoke design touches on the exterior clearly identify the BMW X5 xDrive40e. The most noticeable feature is the charging connection for the high-voltage battery located in the left front wing. Blue light effects also appear here at the start of the charging process to indicate the flow of energy, while the exhaust system has a twin-tailpipe design with trapezoidal tips. Besides the model badge at the front of the vehicle’s flanks, the “eDrive” logo already familiar from the BMW i models graces the tailgate, roof rails, the doorsill strips with their blue background colour, and the centre console.

Apart from Dynamic Damper Control, the standard specification for the BMW X5 xDrive40e also includes self-levelling rear air suspension. The 2-zone automatic climate control that features as standard on all BMW X5 model variants is extended to include an auxiliary heating and ventilation system: this comprises of an electric instantaneous water heater and an electric refrigerant compressor which can precondition the car prior to driving. Other standard features include Xenon headlights, LED fog lights, an automatic tailgate, Dakota leather upholstery, heated front seats, and 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.

In addition to this, all of the optional extras from the BMW X5 range are available, with the exception of the third row of seats, the Adaptive Suspension Package Dynamic, Active Steering, the Multifunctional Instrument Display, comfort seats in the rear and the ski/snowboard bag. The Design Pure Experience or Design Pure Excellence packages available for the exterior and interior emphasise either the X5 xDrive40e’s robust, versatile nature or its exclusive, luxurious character. This model can also be ordered with the M Sport package and the bespoke features offered by BMW Individual.

Have a closer look at the BMW X5 xDrive40e in our gallery.

Credits: Oneshift News Team