This is the BMW Concept BMW X5 eDrive, a plug-in hybrid, which will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show.
It is based around a new-generation plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which matches a ‘four-cylinder, TwinPower Turbo engine’ - believed to be a petrol unit - with a 94bhp electric motor. The electric motor is backed up by a lithium-ion battery, which is packaged under the boot floor.
BMW is claiming that the X5 eDrive can manage up to 75mph and up to 19 miles on battery power alone. It also says the concept can hit 62mph in ‘under 7 seconds”. On today’s EU economy cycle, the BMW X5 eDrive returns 74.3mpg and ‘under 90g/km’ of CO2.
Other changes, compared to the conventional X5, include minor cosmetic tweaks, specially designed roof rails and aerodynamically optimised lightweight alloy wheels. Three driving modes are offered: intelligent hybrid, pure electric or 'Safe Battery', which maintains the current charge level.
The BMW is designed as a plug-in hybrid and is capable of being recharged from any domestic power socket, or dedicated charging points. Included in its boot is a compartment for storing the charging cable, reducing clutter and mess.
The high-voltage battery developed for the concept is mounted in a 'crash-safe' position under the boot floor; BMW says the X5's load capacity is only 'slightly reduced' as a result.
Sources say that the eDrive hybrid transmission is probably two years away from the showroom and is likely to coincide with the arrival of BMW’s all-new 5-series range, which will also get this drivetrain as an option. BMW engineers are said to be aiming for a 50g/km CO2 emissions rating by launch.
The Concept X5 eDrive is the second plug-in hybrid to feature BMW's electrified powertrain technology, eDrive, the first being the BMW Concept Active Tourer.
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BMW taking environment seriously
A few years ago if I was told that there's an X5 that offers 74mpg and dips well under the 100g/km barrier, I would have shrugged it as early signs of lunacy or an advanced case of brand infatuation.
batteries
I keep reading comments about how harmful the Batteries in hybrids etc. are. After the Batteries are used in vehicles they are put to use in the Electricity Grid as storage because they still store roughly 80% of their charge. After that they are 98% recyclable. I'm not saying it's the answer to the problem but I don't think that part of the argument really stands up any more.
I do laugh when electric
I do laugh when electric power is being promoted as the green saviour for the environment. The manufacturing and disposal of batteries produces far more harmful, and often very toxic, effects than carbon-based fuels. It seems environmentalists are all hung up on CO2 emissions and are ignoring the wider harmful effects of some alternative powerplants, like batteries. It's like the government's CO2-based road tax which doesn't even consider the harmful particulates of diesel compared to petrol.
What we need is research in to credible, readily available alternative combustible fuel which does not have the downsides of carbon-based fuel like petrol. Whoever has the eureka moment will be a very rich person.