Plug-in BMW X5 launched Down Under

BMW has added plug-in hybrid power to its top-selling X5 SUV’s armoury. Due to commence deliveries in Australia in May, the BMW X5 xDrive40e launches the iPerformance sub-brand locally, with a pricetag from $118,900.

iPerformance leverages knowledge BMW has gained via its i-branded electric and hybrid vehicles and applies the technology to ‘core’ BMW models. The X5 xDrive40e may be the first vehicle to wear the badge Down Under, but it won’t be the last.

The new plug-in hybrid X5 matches its diesel-powered xDrive40d on price. At a claimed 3.3L/100km consumption it is, however, more frugal. Its 77g/km C02 claim sits comfortably under Europe’s 2020 target of 95g/km.

The new large SUV uses the marque’s familiar 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as seen in the 528i sedan. In the 40e, however, the four works in conjunction with a synchronous “electric machine”.

Mounted between the combustion engine and eight-speed automatic transmission (and sharing a casing with the latter), the electrified section of the drivetrain produces 83kW/250Nm for combined powertrain outputs of 230kW/450Nm.

This, BMW says, is enough for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of 6.8sec. The 40e is speed limited to 120km/h in EV, and offers a claimed EV range of 31km, though BMW Australia personnel suggest real-world figures of 25-27km.

The electric motor is supplied by a 9kWh lithium-ion battery pack, mounted under the rear luggage space; taking the spot where a spare wheel would normally resided. Luggage capacity sits at 500L, or 1720L with the second-row seats folded flat. No seven-seat option will be available.

Interestingly, the fuel tank capacity has not changed, retaining 85L capacity but switching from plastic construction to steel with a specific ventilation system.

Recharge options include domestic socket charging with the supplied cable. This takes around five hours to completely charge the battery. Alternatively, BMW’s i Wallbox can be installed in your garage for a 2.5hr charge.

The X5 hybrid can also be charged at one of 262 Chargepoint public charging stations in Australia, in only 1.5 hours.

BMW’s variable all-wheel drive system is retained in the xDrive40e and remains functional even in full EV mode.

A centre console-mounted eDrive button controls a three-mode hybrid experience. AUTO is the default mode, but can be switched to MAX or SAVE to focus the drivetrain on the task at hand. These combine with the more regular BMW experience modes, ranging from Eco Pro, through Comfort and Sport offerings.

There’s also specific tuning to the suspension system (along with standard dynamic damper control) to cater for the additional weight of the eDrive system. In total, the eDrive40e is 120kg heavier than it’s conventional counterpart.

Equipment levels largely mimic that of the X5 xDrive40d, the PHEV available with three themes: Pure Experience, Pure Excellence and M Sport.

Alloy wheels of 19 inches diameter and adaptive LED headlights highlight the exterior as well as discreet eDrive badging.

Dakota leather trim is standard, as is dual-zone climate control, electric sports front seats, keyless entry and go, sports leather steering wheel with leather dash trim, and auto function for wipers, lights and the rear tailgate. Sixteen-speaker Harman Kardon audio with DAB+, extended Bluetooth with voice control and a 10.25-inch touchscreen are also standards.

Cruise control with brake function, head-up display, front and rear park distance control and parking assist are included as part of BMW ConnectedDrive. There’s also a camera-based Driving Assistant that includes surround view, high beam assist, lane departure warning, collision and pedestrian warnings and a city braking function.

Internet access and concierge services are also accessible via the built-in SIM card. The system allows transmission of service related data and can make roadside assistance calls.

iPerformance-specific programming is added to the satellite navigation system to include an intelligent energy management function. There’s also specific dash and screen displays pertaining to the hybrid drive functionality.

The BMW Remote smartphone app has additional options which allow owners to remotely check battery status and locate the nearest public charging facility. Via the app, the climate control system can also be pre-conditioned to heat or cool the cabin, thanks to the electric motor providing power to the 12-volt auxiliary system.

For added safety, a ‘discreet drive sound’ also operates at speeds of up to 30km/h to alert pedestrians of the vehicle’s approach.

This system adds to six airbags, active front headrests, hill descent control and a stability control suite that includes ABS with brake assist, cornering brake control and dynamic traction control tuned to the xDrive drivetrain.

Stay tuned for our first drive review of the X5 xDrive40e later this week.