With the hype surrounding the gasses diesel cars from Volkswagen are really emitting in real-life conditions (you might know it as Dieselgate as well), the compression-ignition engines are, once again, entering a cone of shadow.
The popularity of diesel-powered cars has plummeted ever since and not only in Volkswagen’s sales but other manufacturers’ as well. BMW was dragged down by around 5 percent on the stock market after a malicious rumor came out, claiming that their cars too had issues with test results.
That proved to be fake reporting at its best but the damage was already done. Not being the kind of company that just sits around a complains about the wrongdoings others have done, BMW decided to do damage control and show that there are other alternatives on the table in case diesel isn’t your thing right now.
Their i sub-brand is the perfect surrogate for such purposes but in case you find the design of the i3 and i8 too awkward you can use their technology on other models, the new plug-in hybrids the Germans launching these days.
The first of its kind, the BMW X5 xDrive40e will probably be one of the most popular choices out there, thanks to the sudden rise in demand for SUVs and crossovers that the world is experiencing.
The Bavarians apparently know that and they put together a short video showcasing the similarities between the i8 and the hybrid X5, focused mostly on the electric motor inside the SUV.
In case you didn’t know, the xDrive40e model has a conventional petrol 2-liter 4-cylinder engine under the bonnet joined by an electric motor powering the rear wheels. In EV mode it will cover up to 20 miles on a charged, at speeds up to 75 mph (120 km/h).
That should allow you to do your daily commute in all electric mode, with zero emissions while longer trips are to be handled by the petrol engine. Prices start at €68,400 in Germany while the US pricing hasn’t been announced just yet.
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