BMW’s new luxury SUV goes further
The pure electric range of the new xDrive45e plug-in version of the X5 SUV is 80 kilometres, writes David Linklater.
BMW has tripled the EV range on the plug-in version of its all-new X5 SUV. The just-announced X5 xDrive45e iPerformance combines a model-specific inline six-cylinder petrol engine with the brand’s latest ‘‘eDrive’’ lithiumion battery technology.
Total system output is now 290kW (engine 210kW/battery 80kW) and 600Nm, giving a 0-100kmh time of 5.6 seconds – more than one second faster than the previous X5 plug-in. Fuel economy in the official Combined cycle is 2.1 litres per 100km.
Perhaps more importantly, the pure-electric range is now 80km, or three times that of the outgoing model. The 45e can also travel at up to 140kmh on electric power alone.
BMW says the improved efficiency comes from the extended battery storage capacity and improved batterymanagement electronics.
The combustion engine and electric motor drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (‘‘xDrive’’).
The handling should be even more capable than your average X5, because the high-voltage battery is positioned very low in the chassis. The battery pack still eats into luggage space, however: the 45e has 150 litres less than conventional X5 models, with 500 litres (or 1716 litres with the seats folded down).
The X5 xDrive45e iPerformance is fitted with a twoaxle air suspension and electronically controlled dampers. The optional suspension systems available for the plug-in hybrid model include integral active steering.
All driver assistance and comfort/convenience systems developed for the X5 range are also available for the xDrive45e iPerformance model.
The all-new X5 is set for launch in New Zealand later this year. The 45e version will be released ‘‘in the course of 2019’’ says BMW.