NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: BMW refines X5 plug-in

BMW has revealed an improved version of the Concept X5 eDrive, its first plug-in hybrid SUV, ahead of this week’s New York motor show.

First revealed in Frankfurt last year, the electrified X5 is based on BMW’s third-generation large SUV and follows the release of full-hybrid 3, 5 and 7 Series models, and the plug-in i3 and i8.

A showroom version of the plug-in X5 is expected to become available globally next year – including in Australia, where Mitsubishi has just released the first plug-in SUV.

BMW says the new prototype, which has undergone “a series of detailed refinements”, but its already-impressive vital statistics appear to remain unchanged.

The first electrified BMW model with all-wheel drive combines a 180kW turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 70kW electric motor integrated into its transmission.

BMW says the result is 0-100km/h acceleration in less than seven seconds, electric-only mode for up to 30km and the ability to reach 120km/h only using electric power.

This is despite claimed average fuel consumption of just 3.8L/100km and CO2 emissions of less than 90g/km

The X5 PHEV almost matches the practicality of its purely petrol- and diesel-powered stablemates by offering the same 20/40/20-split second row of seats, and a flat cargo floor.

However, since its lithium-ion battery pack is situated under the rear boot floor, luggage space is slightly reduced and there are no third-row seats, making it strictly a five-seater like the Outlander PHEV.

Instead, the black velour-lined cargo compartment features a blue-illuminated transparent cover through which the high-voltage battery can be seen.

Subtle changes for the blue-themed New York show car include new Silverflake metallic exterior paint and a BMW i Blue colour for the car’s kidney grille bars, air intake bars and rear bumper insert.

There are also body-coloured wheel-arches, specially styled roof rails, exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels with a streamlined design and charging connector that, as with the i3, now lights up during charging.

Inside, the Concept X5 eDrive features light blue double-stitched seams for the exclusive Ivory White leather upholstery on the seats, door panels and dashboard.

Completing the unique cosmetic highlights are piano-black interior trims with blue accent strips, ‘eDrive’ lettering embossed on the head restraints, blue-hue ambient lighting and a blue-illuminated eDrive button.

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