bmw x5 xdrive40e sets new bar for efficiency
ELECTRIC-HYBRID SUV BOASTS POWERFUL PERFORMANCE, CHARACTER
The perfect marriage of class, comfort and cruising, the BMW X5 xDrive40e is an electric hybrid sport-utility vehicle that in all manners is a market match. The first of its kind from BMW, the X5 is not a blocky chore to handle. And with an EPA-rated miles-to-the-gallon that can reach 86, the xDrive40e significantly reduces trips to the gas station. However, it’s no slouch when it comes to power, with a rated top speed of 130 mph that is electronically controlled.
ultra efficient power
The latter is possible through the ultraefficient, 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder gas engine, which has already won the coveted title of “International Engine of the Year” three times. It’s unique design rolls with a TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and variable camshaft control on both the intake and exhaust sides. It’s the most powerful, four-cylinder gas unit in the BMW Group’s engine line and is renowned for its easy power delivery, freerevving performance and highly refined character while generating a maximum output of 245 horsepower and 350 Nm of peak torque. The electric eDrive motor, powered by lithium-ion, has 113 horsepower, while its maximum torque of 250 Nm is available instantly in typical electric drive mode. This boosts the engine’s output for increased responsiveness with no delay when taking off from a stop while also delivering powerful performance whenever a quick burst of speed is necessary. In gas mode, the BMW X5 xDrive40e completes the 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds; while in allelectric drive mode, the vehicle is capable of a top, electronically-controlled speed of 75 mph to create maximum efficiency and performance. Used in conjunction with the 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, the engine revs up to 308 horsepower with 332 pound-feet of instant torque.
little (if any) emissions
The battery pack is fully charged through standard electricity power packs in about 3 hours and 50 minutes, a BMW iWallbox or through public generating stations. The high-voltage battery, which handles the 12-volt electrical system throughout the car through a voltage transformer, is tucked away and well protected beneath the luggage compartment floor without sacrificing space. A particularly enticing feature is that short, daily commutes will create zero exhaust emissions while actual gas use is lowered dramatically for rides of up to 15 miles in city traffic. Short, everyday journeys in urban areas can easily be completed with zero tailpipe emissions. Driving in this way equates to an equivalent 94.2 mpg, setting a new benchmark for efficiency. During trips when both engine and motor must be used, the powertrain keeps the gas use and emissions figures less than in comparable models with comparable power ratings. When the battery is fully charged, daily journeys of up to 37 miles realize gas use of no more than 43.5 mpg, depending on driving style. What’s more, when the fuel tank is filled to its 22-gallon capacity and the highvoltage battery pack is charged, the xDrive40e also boasts the X5’s customary long-distance capabilities for gas use, topping 25.7 mpg.
top-notch agility, handling
All that power is barely felt through the body as the xDrive40e gobbles up the road through its available Dynamic Performance Control, which easily distributes power between the rear wheels for top agility and sporty handling. When cornering, the outside wheel receives more torque, creating the ability to drive into curves. This gripping traction is provided by the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, with BMW’s EfficientDynamics eDrive technology. The two drive units are kept in harmony through the Steptronic transmission and permanent allwheel-drive system, while shift paddles on the steering wheel are an option and help drivers make swift, manual gear selections. The xDrive creates the traction that makes driving in any weather or road surface conditions a breeze with excellent stability. An electronically controlled, multiplate clutch is the foundation for fully variable distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear wheels. As it is linked to the Dynamic Stability Control, the xDrive system can act in advance to counter vehicle under-steer or over-steer, and to split the distribution of torque for the best handling balance. Switching between the various modes is as easy as pushing the eDrive button on the center console, allowing drivers to tailor the powertrain as situations preferences dictate.
variety of driving modes
At start up, default AUTO eDrive setting is activated, with both engine and electric motor working efficiently in unison. The electric motor alone is used for starting out under normal power requirements and the gas engine cuts in at around 44 mph or when accelerating rapidly. In this mode, the intelligent operating strategy determines the most efficient drive combination at all times and switches to it automatically. The driver also can switch to the all-electric drive mode, setting MAX eDrive, so the xDrive40e is running solely on the electric motor, which is designed for easy driving with zero local emissions. The third available mode is the SAVE battery setting that allows the driver to conserve or build up the battery’s reserves for later use. The state of charge can be kept constant or even boosted in order to use the battery’s power for all-electric driving in city settings later in the trip. This allows the stored electrical energy to be used selectively when needed. The xDrive40e also features as standard the Driving Experience Control switch to set up COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO modes, each of which have the effect of altering the throttle mapping, the steering characteristics and the responses of the transmission. Further, the Dynamic Damper Control is included as standard on the xDrive40e and ECO PRO mode furthermore triggers efficiency-optimised control of electrically powered comfort functions, such as the air conditioning, seat heating and heated mirrors. What’s more, the coasting function shuts off the engine, allowing the vehicle to glide along without burning any fuel. The modes freely interact with one another through the use of the eDrive button and the Driving Experience Control switch.
the xDrive creates the traction that makes driving in any weather or road surface conditions a breeze with excellent stability.