X5 diesel hybrid
A mild hybrid based on BMW's large SUV has achieved seriously low fuel consumption, but can accelerate to 100km/h in under nine secondsBMW has achieved a neat trick, developing a mild hybrid version of the X5 offroader, combining a 2.0-litre all-alloy diesel with an electric motor integrated with the transmission to achieve exceptional fuel figures, without detriment to the vehicle's driveability.
The company claims that the concept will use as little as 6.5L/100km of fuel and produces 172g/km. Despite that, the X5 can call upon 400Nm of torque from the diesel engine and a further 210Nm from the electric motor to propel the vehicle to 100km/h from a standing start in 8.9 seconds.
The diesel engine features a twin-turbo, common-rail induction set-up and relies on the electric motor that is integrated with the transmission to supply the means of recharging the lithium-ion battery, as well as assisting acceleration. Developed jointly by BMW and ZF, the transmission is an eight-speed epicyclic auto.
In addition to the electric motor, which -- wearing its recharging hat -- is the medium for the X5's regenerative braking facility, the battery is also recharged by solar power panels on the roof.
The concept has made its debut at the Geneva motor show.
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