Set to go on sale in Europe next
year, the X5 xDrive45e iPerformance has a plug-in hybrid powertrain which features
a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine that develops 282 hp. It is backed up by an electric motor that contributes an
additional 110 hp. This enables the model to have a combined
maximum output of 388 hp and 600 Nm of torque.
Thanks to the extra power, the plug-in hybrid can
accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds which is a full second
faster than its predecessor. The model can also hit a top speed of 235
km/h and 140 km/h)using electricity alone.
Speaking of electric-only power, the X5’s
lithium-ion battery pack allows drivers to travel approximately 80
km without using any fuel. This is nearly three times longer than the outgoing
model which we drove back in 2016. Thanks to these changes, the BMW
X5 xDrive45e now has a combined fuel consumption rating of 2.1 L/100km (112 mpg
US / 134 mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km.
The X5 xDrive45e iPerformance has an eight-speed
automatic transmission which is paired to a standard all-wheel drive system.
The crossover will also come equipped with an air suspension and electronically
controlled dampers.
BMW didn’t mention any styling changes, but the
pictures show the plug-in hybrid has a front fender charging port, a blue /
chrome grille and special badging. Inside, there’s a sport steering
wheel and eDrive sill plates. The model’s lithium-ion battery pack also robs
the 150 liters of space from the luggage compartment. This means the model can only hold up to 1,716 liters overall.
While the X5 xDrive45e iPerformance will arrive in
Europe next year, a US-launch isn’t scheduled until 2020. When the crossover
finally becomes available in America, it will be a 2021 model.
