It appears BMW is set to launch its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) X5 xDrive40e soon. The carmaker has made public key specifications of the vehicle.
One prominent feature of the car is that is environment friendly is that it offers the driver a host of drive modes that have an effect on the energy consumed.
On its fully-charged 9 kilowatt-hour battery pack the X5 XDrive40e can drive for approximately 30 kilometres without using fuel. It can cover short distances exclusively on electric power using brake energy regeneration and managing the high-voltage battery’s energy reserves efficiently, making it practical, environment-friendly city vehicle. The battery pack is strapped to the back of the car underneath the cargo area.
Even when driven in the hybrid mode, the car boasts a fuel consumption of 3.3-3.4 litres/100 km. And, carbondioxide emissions are regulated at 77-7.8 g/km.
On commutes, the car offers 50 to 60 kilometres for 6 to 6.5 litres of fuel — far less than other vehicles of the class.
The combined overall range of the BMW X5 xDrive40e is 830 kilometres, and the average fuel consumption of 10.5 to 11 litres for an extended journey.
The hybrid system powering the PHEV generates an output of 313 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0 liter four-cylinder gasoline engine provides 245 horsepower and 258 lbs-feet of torque and the electric motor delivers 113 hp and 184 lbs-ft in 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
Speed-wise the model accelerates from 0–60 mph in 6.8 seconds. But the X5 PHEV’s top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.
The vehicle is loaded with creature comforts that have come to be usually associated with the BMW. It has an enhanced web-based connectivity system for drivers.
There is speculation that X5 xDrive40e PHEV could go on sale in Europe sometime later this year. The release date for the US hasn’t been revealed yet.
Ajith Kumar S
editor@greentechlead.com