The first plug-in hybrid production car from the BMW core brand is a Sports Activity Vehicle. Permanent all-wheel drive and the BMW EfficientDynamics eDrive technology endow the BMW X5 xDrive40e with sportiness and poise on the one hand and efficiency on the other. With a total system output of 230 kW/313 hp generated by a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor, the BMW X5 xDrive40e achieves a combined fuel consumption of 3.4 – 3.3 liters per 100 kilometers (83.1 – 85.6 mpg imp) and a combined electricity consumption of 15.4 – 15.3 kWh over the same distance. CO2 emissions come in at 78 – 77 grams per kilometer (figures according to EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, may vary depending on the tire format specified).[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”center” alt=”The BMW X5 xDrive40e” title=”The BMW X5 xDrive40e features a total system output of 230 kW/313 hp generated by a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor” height=”426″ width=”640″]https://www.car-engineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-BMW-X5-xDrive40e.jpg[/image_frame]
The BMW X5 xDrive40e reaps the benefits of the technology and know-how transferred from the debut of the BMW i cars. The BMW i8 blazes a trail for sustainable driving pleasure with plug-in hybrid drive power, which can now also be used for the first time in a model from the BMW core brand.
Lithium-ion battery with flexible charging options
The energy for the electric motor integrated in the 8-speed Steptronic transmission is drawn from a lithium-ion battery, which also supplies power to the low-voltage battery for the 12V electrical system aboard the BMW X5 xDrive40e via a voltage transformer. It can be recharged by connecting to any standard domestic power socket or a BMW i Wallbox, as well as at public charging stations. To save space the high-voltage battery is housed underneath the luggage compartment floor, where it is also particularly well protected in the event of a crash.[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”center” alt=”Charging socket of the BMW X5 xDrive40e” title=”It can be recharged by connecting to any standard domestic power socket or a BMW i Wallbox, as well as at public charging stations”]https://www.car-engineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Charging-socket-of-he-BMW-X5-xDrive40e.jpg[/image_frame]
Intelligent powertrain control and eDrive button for hybrid driving and mobility with zero local emissions
The intelligent hybrid powertrain control ensures that the engine and the electric motor act in unison in a way that optimizes efficiency while also catering to the driver’s wishes. The eDrive button on the center console allows the driver to adjust the hybrid drive’s operating mode. In the AUTO eDrive basic setting, the engine’s power is boosted to noticeable effect when accelerating or during quick bursts of speed by the electric drive, whose full torque of 250 Newton meters (184 lb-ft) is on tap from standstill for instantaneous power delivery. The BMW X5 xDrive40e completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds.
Alternatively, the MAX eDrive mode can be engaged, enabling the BMW X5 xDrive40e to run purely on electric power – when driving in urban traffic for instance – resulting in zero local emissions. When the high-voltage battery is fully charged, the vehicle has a range of up to 31 kilometers (approx. 19 miles) in the all-electric drive mode with a limited maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). 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.[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”center” alt=”BMW X5 xDrive40e” title=”SAVE Battery mode”]https://www.car-engineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/AUTO-eDrive-basic-setting.jpg[/image_frame][image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”center” alt=”BMW X5 xDrive40e” title=”MAX eDrive mode”]https://www.car-engineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MAX-eDrive-mode.jpg[/image_frame][image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”center” alt=”BMW X5 xDrive40e” title=”SAVE Battery mode”]https://www.car-engineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/SAVE-Battery-mode.jpg[/image_frame]
Regardless of the setting chosen with the eDrive button, the power stemming from both drive sources is permanently transmitted to the road via the all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive. The various vehicle set-ups that can be selected with the Driving Experience Control switch – COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO – are also available in all drive modes.
Hybrid-specific products and services from BMW ConnectedDrive and BMW 360° ELECTRIC
All of the driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive offered as standard or as optional extras for the BMW X5 are also available in the model variant with eDrive technology. 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 hybrid-specific version of the BMW Remote app makes it possible to check the high-voltage battery’s state of charge, locate public charging stations or call up efficiency evaluations for the BMW X5 xDrive40e on a smartphone. The auxiliary heating and ventilation functions can also be activated remotely.
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 means of recharging the high-voltage battery while parked. Model-specific assistance services are also available. The ChargeNow service provides cash-free access to a partner network of charging stations and billing of the charging costs with the ChargeNow card. The mobility service ParkNow Longterm, meanwhile, makes it easier to find a parking space or locate and book a parking spot with charging facilities.
Source: BMW
[titled_box title=”Romain’s opinion:”]It seems that all the German premium manufacturers have released a plug-in hybrid version of their flagship. Do you think they are making some margin with these vehicles or that it is only for getting a “green” image? Why don’t the mass market OEMs release some similar technology (Except Toyota)?[/titled_box]
