The X5 is BMW's first core model to receive a plug-in hybrid variant, combining the xDrive permanent all-wheel drive system with EfficientDynamics eDrive technology to offer supreme performance with outstanding efficiency.
By matching a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a synchronous electric motor, the X5 xDrive40e churns out a total system output of 313bhp. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h is done in 6.8 seconds.
Yet, the SUV is able to achieve a combined fuel consumption of 30.3km/L and CO2 emissions of 77g/km. This has part credits to the lessons learnt from the marque's first plug-in electric car - the BMW i8.
The energy for the electric motor integrated in the eight-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.
Like its petrol-driven counterparts, the xDrive40e also has three types of vehicle setups, namely Comfort, Sport, and Eco PRO, which are available on all-wheel drive modes.
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. With 500 litres of luggage space, which can be further expanded to 1,720 litres, the BMW X5 xDrive40e also retains the high versatility of a large sports activity vehicle.
Like the BMW i3 and i8, owners can check on the vehicle's state of charge remotely via the BMW Remote app. In addition, the app can help to 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.
