BMW will reportedly be introducing new plug-in
hybrid versions of the G01 BMW X3 and G05 BMW X5 in 2019. According to BMW
Blog, company CEO Harald Kruger has confirmed in a statement that the plug-in
X3 will debut next year, but it won’t share the electrified straight-six system
as the larger G05 X5 xDrive45e.
Instead, the X3 has been tipped to share the same
2.0 litre plug-in hybrid system as the new G20 330e, which essentially is an
improved version of the outgoing system found in the F30 BMW 330e. The upcoming
X3 PHEV is rumoured to make around 275 hp and 400 Nm of torque, with an
all-electric range of 48 km. That’s considerably more than the existing 37-km threshold, although
it should be noted that the new 48-km range is calculated according to new WLTP
testing procedures, which are much tougher than older NEDC tests.
What’s more, the upgraded plug-in system is also
said to come with a new XtraBoost feature which momentarily increases output on
demand, much like an overboost function. There are no details on this yet, so
stay tuned for further updates. If all-electric is your thing, then the
upcoming iX3 may tickle your fancy – it features a cruising range of over 640
km on a full charge.
As for the X5 xDrive45e, an update for the big SUV
will see an N20 3.0 litre inline-six petrol engine paired with an electric
drive system offering 112 hp, all for a total system output of 394 hp and 600
Nm. That’s good for a zero to 100 km/h sprint of 5.6 seconds (F15 X5 xDrive40e
gets there in 6.8 seconds) and a top speed of 235 km/h. Combined fuel
consumption is 2.1 L/100 km, and CO2 emissions is rated at 49 g/km.
It boasts a pure electric range of 80 km (nearly
triple the existing 30-km range) and has a top speed of 140 km/h in all-electric
mode. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends drive from both engine and
electric motor to all four corners via the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, while
the high-voltage battery is located in the X5’s underbody section, which gives
the xDrive45e a lower centre of gravity compared to its conventionally powered,
internal combustion siblings.
No details on the battery pack and technical aspects
of charging as yet, but the company says that packaging for the battery sees a
150-litre reduction in capacity for the luggage compartment, making cargo space
500 litres on this one with all seats in place. Folding down the rear seat
backs will give a total luggage capacity of 1,716 litres, while the fuel tank
will hold 69 litres of petrol; this appears to be reduced from the F15
xDrive40e’s 85-litre fuel capacity.
