2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance plug-in hybrid breaks cover

BMW has introduced the second-generation of the X5 plug-in hybrid in the 2019 X5 xDrive45e iPerformance.

The 2019 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance brings with it the latest eDrive technology from BMW, which makes it greener & yet more powerful than its predecessor. The 2019 plug-in hybrid version borrows the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol motor from the standard X5, but it is assisted by a 111bhp eDrive electric motor. The electric motor draws its power from a 24kWh (Gross Value) high-voltage Li-ion battery pack.

The hybrid powertrain offers a combined power output of 389bhp & 600Nm of torque, significantly higher than the first-gen model's output of 308bhp. This has also reduced the X5 xDrive45e's 0 – 100km/h time to just 5.6 seconds (1.2 seconds less than the earlier figure) & in electric mode, the achievable top speed figure stands at 135km/h (from the earlier 110km/h). In regular drive mode, the X5 xDrive45e can achieve a top speed of 235km/h. Irrespective of the drive mode (Hybrid/Electric), the power is always sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

BMW further claims that the 2019 X5 xDrive45e offers triple the electric driving range of its predecessor. The new car's electric driving range figures are pegged at 67 – 87kms (WLTP test cycle). Also, the X5 xDrive45e now consumes 1.9 to 1.2 litres of fuel for every 100kms (WLTP test cycle), which is nearly half of what the older xDrive40e consumed.

To ensure customers that the new X5 xDrive45e has a smaller overall carbon footprint, the BMW Group conducted a full-cycle CO2 certification of the car – from raw material procurement, the supply chain, and production & use phase to all the way to recycling. The data revealed that the new BMW X5 xDrive45e has a 40 per cent smaller CO2 footprint than its ICE-powered sibling – the X5 xDrve40i. If charged using green energy, its CO2 footprint becomes even smaller by an additional 30 per cent.

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