The BMW X5 Hybrid is an innovative combination of BMW eDrive and xDrive to deliver efficient driving pleasure. This vehicle is an addition to the company’s growing range of electric cars with the concept X5 eDrive, a plug-in hybrid version of the new X5. BMW used the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) to present this vehicle showcasing a landmark efficiency in the SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) segment. The BMW X5 Hybrid guarantees both sheer driving pleasure as well as luxurious ambience, through the xDrive intelligent all wheel drive system and interior of the plug-in hybrid drive concept. The SAV can travel upto 19 miles (30 Km) and hit 75 mph (120 km/hr) in electric-only mode, and claims 74.3 mpg economy and 90g/km CO2 emissions.
The ground breaking characteristics of the BMW X5 Hybrid is highlighted not only by the drive system and luxurious interiors but also through its precisely arranged design aspects. Just like the BMW i-series cars, the X5 eDrive also gets a blue finish on the grille slats, air intake bars and the rear bumper inlay which gives an appealing contrast to the Silverflake metallic exterior paintwork. Other additions in this eDrive includes specially designed roof rails, connector for charging cable and 21 inch light alloy wheels which have aerodynamically optimized design.
Just like most of the BMW’s the X5’s interior is elegantly austere, with solid construction and high-quality materials. The seats are nicely shaped and meet the ergonomic conditions for all types of passengers. There’s an additional 14 way seats adjustment which further adds to the comfort level. The boot space of this car is however compromised due to the presence of lithium-ion batteries.
The BMW X5 Hybrid is a part of BMW research project designed to prove that performance need not be sacrificed for economy. And the Hybrid X5 certainly proves this point by producing an amazing 1000 Nm of torque at 1000 rpm, which is far more than any other BMW. The vehicle has a four-cylinder petrol engine (likely to be the 2.0 Litre 245 bhp turbo engine from BMW 328i) in combination with a 95 bhp electric motor to power all four wheels through the BMW’s xDrive system.
The 70kW motor gains its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from any domestic power socket. This can charge the vehicle to enable it to travel upto 30 km (19 miles) soley on electric power, thereby generating zero local emission. Also in order to make the battery safe from any accidents, it is mounted in a particularly crash-safe position underneath the load area. The BMW X5 Hybrid gets three driving modes, depending upon the requirements and situation; the intelligent hybrid drive option for optimum balance between sportiness and efficiency, pure electric drive and safe battery mode to maintain the current battery charge. Together the engine and the motor gives 0-62 mph in under seven seconds.
BMW is calling the X5 eDrive “the next logical step towards landmark efficiency” in the SAV segment. However now the question which remains is not whether the company will bring this technology as it is told in its vehicle or not, but when.
