Having experimented with its i Series, BMW is bringing over its PHEV technology to its core collection, beginning with the X5 xDrive40e.
Power for the PHEV crossover comes from a 2-liter four-cylinder using BMW’s TwinPower Turbo system paired with a synchronous electric motor integrated into the crossover’s eight-speed automatic. A combined 313 horses and 332 lb-ft of torque are sent to all corners, helping to push the X5 from nil to 62 in 6.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 130 mph, 75 mph in electric-only mode. Range is 19 miles on its 9-kWh lithium-ion pack.
Said pack reduces cargo space to 17.65 cubic feet with the rear seats up, 60.7 cubic feet with the seats down. The pack can be charged at home with the same charging units used by i3 and i8 owners, as well as through brake regeneration and at public charging stations.
Other features include an M Sport package, adaptive suspension, and bespoke offerings from BMW Individual.
No word on pricing or availability thus far, but European customers will be able to get theirs in the fall.
I just find it so sad that the German’s have to develop PHEV to get around displacement taxes while American companies are cranking out 707 Horsepower Supercharged V8’s that they’ll never see.
That’s what FREEDOM looks like.
The plug in driving experience is much more luxurious than is what you get in a gasoline or diesel only vehicle, in addition to being much more energy efficient. Also, it’s usable every day, unlike a 700 HP engine, which most days won’t be asked to produce more than 150 HP.
Yeah, waving the American flag, except that this same X5 also comes in a variant that has almost 600hp and is only a few tenths of second slower 0-60 than the hellcat. Once again, not sure of your point.
OK, I’ll bite.
Introducing new technologies to drive more efficiently is called INNOVATION.
Having an interstate infrastructure that allows for driving without dictated speed limits where it’s considered possible is called FREEDOM.
Being able to to buy and drive cars with big displacement engines and accepting additional taxes is CHOICE.
Being addicted to fossil fuels (of which large quantities are imported from ‘rogue’ states) in order to keep your V8’s running is called SLAVERY.
Oh well, at least all the X5s made for the world (except for the few made in Mexico at a private plant) are assembled in Spartanburg SC.
So while Americans buy a few thousand Hellcats, BMW exports modern up-to-date high value SUVs from the US to the world, and earns export dollars.
People want to complain about the most arcane things.
This is the future…for people who have $85K to spend on a new ride.
X5xDrive40e. No, really: X5xDrive40e.
Is it just me or is the X5 getting really old looking these days? I feel like it needs a complete re-do, as it’s got to still be on that late 90s platform.