With the BMW Concept X5 eDrive model presented in September 2013 at the IAA in Frankfurt, the BMW Group highlighted a further way in which Sports Activity Vehicles can be made more efficient. For the first time the public were introduced to an SAV concept model which combines the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system with an innovative BMW plug-in hybrid system.
This is a combination that not only gives the BMW X5 eDrive the typical BMW sporty temperament but equally turns the focus on efficiency and eco-friendliness. Thanks to the boost function of the electric motor, the SAV can deliver powerful acceleration and a 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of less than seven seconds. The development goal for this model is average fuel consumption of approximately 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres (74 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle, and CO2 emissions of 90 grams per kilometre – new benchmarks in this vehicle category. The vehicle is also capable of all-electric operation for up to 30 kilometres (over 18 miles), in which mode its produces no emissions at all at the point of use.
Thanks to perfect synchronisation of the BMW eDrive technology with the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the drive torque from the electric motor, the four-cylinder petrol engine or both power sources operating in tandem can be split in a variable ratio between the front and rear wheels. The split is automatically controlled to provide superior traction, optimal stability and highest standards of agility and performance under all conditions. At the same time there are no compromises on the customary luxurious driving experience offered by the BMW X5, or on its high standards of driveability in both short- and long-distance use.
Whereas the BMW i8 is fitted with the BMW Group’s highly turbocharged three-cylinder engine, the future BMW X5 eDrive will use a state-of-the-art four-cylinder petrol engine from the same family – the new Efficient Dynamics engine range with TwinPower Turbo technology.
