BMW takes the fight to the Outlander PHEV, with their own Hybrid X5 SUV.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e is the first plug-in hybrid production car from the BMW core brand. It combines the versatility and luxurious ambience of the X5, along with the superb traction provided by the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, with BMW’s EfficientDynamics eDrive technology for outstanding efficiency.

The intelligently controlled interaction between the combustion engine and the electric drive, which together generate a total system output of 313hp, endows the BMW X5 xDrive40e with strong acceleration while simultaneously realising a substantial reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. It returns a combined fuel consumption of up to 85.6mpg, and a combined electricity consumption of 15.3kWh. CO₂ emissions are just 77g/km.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e reaps the benefits of the technology and know-how transferred from BMW’s i brand, with exceptionally efficient performance as well as all-electric mobility with zero tailpipe emissions, as and when required.

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km
X5 xDrive40e	Petrol: 245hp Electric: 113hp	Petrol: 350 @ Electric: 250	6.8	130mph (limited)	85.6	77
	Total system output: 313hp	Total system output: 450Nm			Figure range due to varying tyre format

The Hybrid Drivetrain: an advanced partnership

The drive system of the BMW X5 xDrive40e comprises a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, and a synchronous electric motor integrated with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. The lithium-ion high-voltage battery pack can be topped up with mains electricity from any standard domestic power socket, or more quickly from the BMW i Wallbox, as well as at public charging stations. 

The high-voltage battery, which also supplies power to the battery for the 12V electrical system via a voltage transformer, is housed underneath the luggage compartment floor, where it is well protected in the event of a crash. With a capacity of 500 – 1,720-litres, the luggage area is barely compromised compared with other X5s. The standard charging cable can also be stored in a hinged compartment under the luggage area floor.

Short, everyday journeys in urban areas can easily be completed with zero tailpipe emissions, while actual fuel consumption is reduced substantially when driving for distances of up to approximately 15 miles in urban traffic. Driving in this way equates to an equivalent 94.2mpg, setting a new benchmark for efficiency in its segment. On longer journeys, when both engine and motor need to be deployed, the powertrain keeps the fuel consumption and emissions figures far lower than in comparable models with similar power outputs. Assuming the high-voltage battery is fully charged, daily commutes of up to 37 miles can therefore be completed with a fuel consumption of no more than 43.5mpg, depending on driving style. What’s more, when the fuel tank is filled to its 85-litre capacity and the high-voltage battery pack is charged, the BMW X5 xDrive40e also boasts the X5’s customary long-distance capabilities for travelling on holiday, for example, when it still succeeds in keeping fuel consumption above 25.7mpg.

BMW TwinPower Turbo and BMW eDrive technologies

The 2.0-litre internal combustion petrol engine fitted in the BMW X5 xDrive40e has already won the coveted title of “International Engine of the Year” three times. It features a TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and variable camshaft control on both the intake and exhaust sides (Double-VANOS). The most powerful four-cylinder petrol unit in the BMW Group’s engine portfolio is notable for its eager power delivery, delightfully free-revving performance and highly refined character. It generates a maximum power of 245hp and 350Nm of peak torque.

The electric motor has an output of 113hp, while its maximum torque of 250Nm is available instantly in typical electric drive fashion. This boosts the engine’s output for increased responsiveness with absolutely no delay when accelerating from stationary, as well as providing strong performance whenever a quick burst of speed is required. The BMW X5 xDrive40e completes the 0 to 62mph sprint in just 6.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 130mph. In all-electric drive mode, the vehicle is capable of a top speed of 75mph, again, electronically limited.

BMW xDrive permanent all-wheel drive even in all-electric mode

The combined power of the two drive units is deployed by an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the BMW xDrive permanent all-wheel-drive system. Shift paddles on the steering wheel are an option; these enable the driver to swiftly make manual gear selections. 

xDrive ensures superb traction in all weather and road surface conditions, together with excellent stability and increased agility during cornering. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch provides the basis for fully variable distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear wheels. As it is linked to the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), the xDrive system is capable of acting in advance to counter vehicle understeer or oversteer, and to split the distribution of torque for the best handling balance. The current status of power distribution and traction can be viewed in the iDrive display.

Configuration via The Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button

The eDrive button on the centre console lets drivers tailor the powertrain according to their own preferences and situation. When the vehicle is first started, the default AUTO eDrive setting is activated, with both engine and electric motor working efficiently together. The electric motor alone is used for setting off with normal power requirements, while the engine cuts in at around 44 mph or when the driver wishes to accelerate briskly. 

In this mode, the intelligent operating strategy determines the most efficient drive combination at all times and switches to it automatically. The driver can also switch to the all-electric drive mode setting MAX eDrive, whereupon the vehicle is powered solely by the electric motor. This mode is designed for comfortable driving with zero local emissions, and offers a maximum range of approximately 19 miles at a limited top speed of 75mph.

The third mode available is the SAVE Battery setting, which allows the driver to conserve or build up the high-voltage battery’s reserves for later on. When driving on the motorway, for instance, the state of charge can be kept constant or even boosted in order to use the high-voltage battery’s power for all-electric driving in urban areas later in the journey. In this way, the stored electrical energy can be selectively deployed exactly when required.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e also features as standard the Driving Experience Control switch, just like the conventionally powered model variants of the X5. This can be used to activate the vehicle set-up modes COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO, which each have the effect of altering the throttle mapping, the steering characteristics, the responses of the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, as well as the characteristics of the Dynamic Damper Control included as standard on the BMW X5 xDrive40e. The ECO PRO mode furthermore triggers efficiency-optimised control of electrically powered comfort functions, such as the air conditioning, seat heating and heated mirrors. Besides this, when travelling on the overrun at speeds between 0 – 100mph, the coasting function shuts off the engine, allowing the vehicle to glide along without burning any fuel. The modes selectable with the eDrive button and the Driving Experience Control switch can be combined freely with one another.

Instrument cluster and Control Display with hybrid-specific readouts

The BMW X5 xDrive40e features a black-panel instrument cluster which has had hybrid-specific functions added to its array of readouts. The drive readiness display positioned in the lower part of the engine rev counter switches from “OFF” to “READY” when the start/stop button is pressed. The high-voltage battery’s state of charge is visualised in the form of a battery symbol below the gear display. The Driving Experience Control switch setting is also indicated, as is the operating mode selected with the eDrive button. Depending on the selected drive mode, information on the vehicle’s electric and total range, current fuel or electricity consumption, recuperation of electrical energy in the high-voltage battery and the progress of vehicle charging can likewise all be shown in the instrument cluster.

Model-specific menu options and readouts are also available in the iDrive operating system’s Control Display. An energy flow display can be called up while on the move, illustrating in graphical form the interaction between combustion engine and electric motor as well as how energy is being fed to the high-voltage battery. Charging of the battery from the mains power supply can also be controlled from the iDrive menu. A timer function is available for this purpose, which can factor in a planned departure time as entered by the driver. 

In addition to this, preconditioning of both the interior and the battery can be programmed in the iDrive menu as well. Timer-controlled cooling or heating ensures a pleasant temperature inside the passenger compartment ready for the start of the journey, while the high-voltage battery can also be cooled so that it is in an optimum operating state at the time of departure. An electrically powered auxiliary heating and ventilation function is also part of the standard specification. It can either run on mains electricity during vehicle charging or be powered by the high-voltage battery if it has sufficient capacity.

Bespoke design elements and a comprehensive standard UK specification

Bespoke design touches on the exterior clearly identify the BMW X5 xDrive40e. The most noticeable feature is the charging connection for the high-voltage battery located in the left front wing. Blue light effects also appear here at the start of the charging process to indicate the flow of energy, while the exhaust system has a twin-tailpipe design with trapezoidal tips. Besides the model badge at the front of the vehicle’s flanks, the “eDrive” logo already familiar from the BMW i models graces the tailgate, roof rails, the doorsill strips with their blue background colour, and the centre console.

Apart from Dynamic Damper Control, the standard specification for the BMW X5 xDrive40e also includes self-levelling rear air suspension. The 2-zone automatic climate control that features as standard on all BMW X5 model variants is extended to include an auxiliary heating and ventilation system: this comprises of an electric instantaneous water heater and an electric refrigerant compressor which can precondition the car prior to driving. Other standard features include Xenon headlights, LED fog lights, an automatic tailgate, Dakota leather upholstery, heated front seats, and 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.

In addition to this, all of the optional extras from the BMW X5 range are available, with the exception of the third row of seats, the Adaptive Suspension Package Dynamic, Active Steering, the Multifunctional Instrument Display, comfort seats in the rear and the ski/snowboard bag. The Design Pure Experience or Design Pure Excellence packages available for the exterior and interior emphasise either the X5 xDrive40e’s robust, versatile nature or its exclusive, luxurious character. This model can also be ordered with the M Sport package and the bespoke features offered by BMW Individual.

The Navigation system Professional and DAB radio are another standard features. The cruise control system with braking function and the Driving Assistant, both likewise included as standard, is complemented by the wealth of BMW ConnectedDrive services, such as eDrive Services providing the driver with charging stations details, BMW Online Services and Real Time Traffic Information. 

There is also a whole host of options on offer, including: Driving Assistant Plus featuring Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Collision Warning with braking function and Traffic Jam Assistant, the BMW Head-Up Display, the BMW Night Vision system with pedestrian and animal recognition as well as Dynamic Light Spot, Lane Change Warning, Parking Assistant, rear view camera, Surround View and Speed Limit Info including No Passing Info display. 

It should be noted that all driver assistance systems are also available when driving in all-electric mode. The Adaptive LED Headlights, Comfort Access, as well as the full selection of 19- and 20-inch light-alloy wheels, are also available to order. The BMW X5 xDrive 40e comes as standard with 18-inch light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design.

Versatile charging options with pioneering products and services from BMW 360° ELECTRIC

The plug-in hybrid design of the BMW X5 xDrive40e provides the ideal basis for extensive use of the electric drive system for highly efficient mobility, even including urban driving with zero tailpipe emissions. Its high-voltage battery offers a gross energy capacity of 9.0 kilowatt hours (kWh) and can be topped up with energy from any domestic power socket; from a Wallbox that has been designed for higher currents, as well as at public charging stations.

When hooked up to a conventional domestic power socket the high-voltage battery can be fully recharged from flat in around 3 hours and 50 minutes. A tailor-made solution for safe, simple and extra-fast battery charging at home is available under the umbrella of BMW 360° ELECTRIC. The BMW i Wallbox Pure is capable of replenishing the high-voltage battery at a charging rate of 3.5 kW (16 A/230 V). As a result, it takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to fully recharge an empty battery pack. 

Charging progress can be checked on a graphic displayed in the vehicle’s instrument cluster or on a smartphone using the BMW Remote app. A second version, the BMW i Wallbox Pro, offers added convenience features. It’s equipped with a 7-inch colour monitor, whose user-friendly touchscreen indicates how vehicle charging is progressing as well as allowing customised settings to be made for load management and self-produced electricity. The data displayed on the monitor includes the quantity of energy supplied and information on preceding charge cycles.

Under the umbrella of BMW 360° ELECTRIC, customers are offered an all- embracing service concept covering everything from the supply and installation of the charging station to maintenance, advice and other services. There is also the ChargeNow service, comprising a ChargeNow card that grants straightforward access to partner charging stations and can also be used for convenient billing of the monthly energy costs. 

The ParkNow Longterm mobility service simplifies the task of finding a parking space in urban centres, and also helps with finding and booking a parking spot with access to charging facilities. Beyond this, the BMW 360° ELECTRIC portfolio also comprises maintenance, assistance and other customer services that have been specially tailored to this model.

Innovative new functions from BMW ConnectedDrive help to plan journeys in such a way that the vehicle drives on electric power alone, as much as possible, and at maximum efficiency at all times. The Navigation system Professional fitted as standard gives drivers the option of calculating a hybrid-specific ECO PRO route to an entered destination, which makes allowance for factors such as the traffic situation, the route profile and driving style. The intelligent energy management function utilises the available data on the route profile for all navigation-assisted journeys anyway, together with real-time traffic information. 

This forms the basis for anticipatory and efficiency-optimised powertrain control, that keeps fuel consumption as low as possible while making intensive use of electric mobility: for example, when nearing the journey’s destination. On a longer journey that goes through both rural and built-up areas, for instance, Brake Energy Regeneration can be employed and the engine’s load points deliberately raised at higher speeds to ensure there are sufficient power reserves for completing the urban sections in all-electric drive mode. 

What’s more, the locations of public charging stations are added to the selection of points of interest on the navigation map whenever route guidance is activated.

The BMW Remote app also comes in a hybrid-specific version for use on smartphones. It lets the driver retrieve information on the high-voltage battery’s state of charge, even when they are away from the vehicle, and also displays the location of public charging stations. An evaluation of efficiency over the course of the last journey completed can be viewed on the smartphone as well, along with the total distance driven purely on electric power and the amount of fuel saved by using mains electricity. 

The auxiliary heating and ventilation functions of the BMW X5 xDrive40e can similarly be activated remotely with the help of the BMW Remote app.

Production at the BMW Spartanburg plant: centre of excellence for BMW X models and hybrid technology

The BMW X5 xDrive40e is manufactured at the BMW Spartanburg plant in the US state of South Carolina. This is where all other model variants of the X5 are built, together with the BMW X6, BMW X3 and BMW X4 models. It has been over 15 years since the first-generation BMW X5 went into production, during which time this US plant has evolved into the global centre of excellence for BMW X models.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e is assembled in parallel with both the other model variants of the BMW X5 and the BMW X6 on a shared production line. Special assembly steps have been added to the manufacturing process for integrating the hybrid-specific components, and the high-voltage battery is also manufactured on-site.

The BMW X5 xDrive 40e goes on sale Autumn 2015. Prices will be announced at a later date.