BMW reveals details of their first plug-in hybrid production car: the BMW X5 xDrive40e.
The new 4-wheel drive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) from BMW is a sports activity vehicle, combining a 113bhp electric motor with a 245bhp four-cylinder petrol engine.
The BMW X5 xDrive40e achieves a combined fuel consumption of 3.4 – 3.3 litres per 100 kilometres (83.1 – 85.6 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions come in at 78 – 77 grams per kilometre (figures according to EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, may vary depending on the tyre format specified).
It is no slouch either, completing the sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds.
It is also possible for the BMW X5 xDrive40e to be driven in all-electric mode (or MAX e-Drive as BMW refer to it) for around 20 miles with zero tailpipe emissions.
The PHEV is fitted with a type 2 plug inlet, so can be recharged by connecting to a standard domestic charging unit or a BMW i Wallbox, as well as at public charging stations.
The SAVE Battery mode can also be activated at the touch of a button, causing the high-voltage battery’s state of charge to be maintained or allowing energy to be accumulated again, e.g. by means of recuperation, if capacity is low. In this way, electrical energy can be deliberately conserved for all-electric driving later in the journey.
There vehicle can be driven in 3 modes COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO.
An intelligent energy management function is also offered as a special model-specific feature that can be used in conjunction with the Navigation system Professional which is fitted as standard in the BMW X5 xDrive40e.
Whenever route guidance is active, data on the route profile is factored into powertrain control along with real-time traffic information. When driving medium to long distances, the system can therefore ensure it is possible to drive purely on electric power on urban sections by using Brake Energy Regeneration and managing the high-voltage battery’s energy reserves in a targeted and efficient manner.
The BMW i Wallbox Pure and BMW i Wallbox Pro , including installation service, are available for home charging as part of the BMW 360° ELECTRIC concept, offering customers a particularly fast and convenient means of recharging the high-voltage battery while parked.
In addition, BMW’s ChargeNow service provides cash-free access to an extensive partner network of charging stations and billing of the charging costs with the ChargeNow card.
European launch for the new plug-in hybrid is planned for Autumn 2015.
BMW
