BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid revealed with 388bhp

-         The new-gen X5 is the newest BMW to get a plug-in hybrid version. 

-         A pure electric range of 67-87 kilometres under WLTP and 86-97 kilometres under NEDC test cycle.

BMW is aiming to become the highest seller of electrified vehicles in Europe. In line with this strategy, the Bavarian carmaker has already revealed a plug-in hybrid variant of the 7 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series sedans apart from X3 and 2 Series Active Tourer. Now, the X5 SUV has received the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid version. 

Sharing the powertrain with the 745Le, the new X5 xDrive45e uses the same 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-petrol engine mated to a BMW’s latest eDrive powertrain fed by a 24kW lithium-ion battery pack. It has a combined output of 388bhp and 600Nm. BMW claims that the hybrid X5 has a pure-electric drive range of 67 to 87 kilometres in the new WLTP test cycle or some 86 to 97 kilometres according to the NEDC test cycle. 

The fuel consumption figures are now down, just 1.9 to 1.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle or 2.0 to 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the NEDC test cycle which roughly translates to 50-80kmpl. The top speed when driving on electric power alone has increased from 120kmph to 135kmph. In terms of performance, the X5 xDrive45e takes 5.6 seconds to sprint from zero to 100kmph, which is 1.2 seconds less than the predecessor model. Meanwhile, the top speed is 235kmph.

Accommodating the added hybrid hardware has reduced the boot space by 150 litres while the fuel tank can now hold 69 litres. And the lowered centre of gravity is aided by a standard two-axle air-suspension and electronic dampers. The optional suspension systems available for the plug-in hybrid model include integral active steering. In the standard trim, the feature list includes acoustic pedestrian protection in which the speaker system emits a distinctive sound imitating the engine when running at low speeds on pure electric mode.