This blue-accented X5 is BMW‘s latest conceptual effort in the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) arena and it will be formally introduced alongside the production i3 electric supermini and i8 Hybrid Sports Coupe at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in about three weeks’ time.
Built around the third generation X5 SUV that was introduced earlier this year, the Concept5 X5 eDrive’s highlight is a new plug-in hybrid system that pairs an unspecified twin-turbo four-cylinder engine (no word if it runs on diesel or petrol) to a 94hp (70kW / 95PS) electric motor that sources its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery located under the boot. The system offers the X5 all-wheel drive when both power sources work together.
BMW says the hybrid powertrain offers a choice of three driving modes: “the intelligent hybrid drive option for an optimum balance between sportiness and efficiency; pure electric and therefore emission-free driving; or Safe Battery mode to maintain the current battery charge.”
We’re told that the concept can complete the sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 7.0 seconds, and return a combined fuel economy of 3.8l/100km (61.9 mpg US or 74.3 mpg UK) on the EU cycle with CO2 emissions of under 90g/km. In pure electric mode, the X5 can cover a distance of up to 30km or 19 miles.
Besides the blue accents on the kidney grille slats, air intake bars and the inlay in the rear bumper, the Concept X5 eDrive also sports a few more unique styling features such as the roof rails, a connector for the charging cable that lights up during charging, and 21-inch light-alloy wheels.
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