Hybrid and M-powered X5s due in 2014
New BMW X5 range to expand in both directions with fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid and fuel-guzzling M bahnstormerBMW will augment its just-launched third-generation X5 with a pair of high-end halo models in late 2014 in a bid to cement its position as the dominant player in the large luxury SUV segment.
Expected to be one of the most frugal SUVs on the market when it arrives here in late 2014, the new BMW X5 eDrive plug-in hybrid vehicle could use less petrol than the Toyota Prius, with the near-production concept car unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September sucking down juice at a rate of just 3.8L/100km.
Powered by a twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor, the tree-hugging X5 eDrive plug-in hybrid S will be produced in right-hand drive and available to customers in Australia, confirmed BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton.
"Yes we'll be getting that car. We have that car in right-hand drive. It's about a year away from local launch," he stated, meaning the car could arrive as early as late 2014 or possibly early 2015.
If the concept version of the X5 eDrive plug-in hybrid is any guide, the economical SUV will be able to drive on pure electricity for up to 30km before the turbo-petrol engine kicks in, and at speeds of more than 100km/h.
Given the slow uptake of plug-in hybrid vehicles in Australia, Horton says sales predictions for the X5 hybrid are not as important as the high-tech 'eco' image the vehicle will provide.
"I would imagine [it will be a slow-selling vehicle] given the way hybrids have gone so far in Australia, and given that we have no real government or federal stimulus as they do in many other countries. But it's still our plan to take that vehicle."
At the other end of the scale will be the fuel-guzzling BMW X5 M, which is expected to be powered by a highly-strung 400kW-plus 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 that delivers massive stomp.
The current (E70) X5 M dispatches the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its generous 408kW/680Nm power output, but the new model is expected to get more power and hence accelerate faster.
Horton said the X5 M's Australian debut is "about a year away as well -- late 2014 or early 2015" but noted there are already options for Australian customers wanting sports car levels of acceleration in their luxury SUV.
"There is one high performance model available now. We have the X5 M50d at the moment which is the pick of the bunch, but that's my personal preference," said Horton of the 280kW/740Nm six-cylinder triple turbo-diesel model.
Next year is shaping up to be a busy year for BMW, which will also launch the mid-sized X4 in Australia sometime in 2014. Though a high-performance version of the X3 is unlikely, the local BMW chief says a diesel-powered M Performance X4 is.
"Where there might be 'M' potential is with the new X4, which we'll be bringing in next year.
"There is some discussion not around an M car, but an M Performance car, potentially with a diesel engine, in the X4. That would be a natural expansion of the M Performance range."
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