BMW’s plans to take over the world with its hybrid vehicles will be put in motion by the first such car, the X5 eDrive Concept that was unveiled a while ago.
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Photo: Screenshot from Youtube
Even though the Germans are still sticking to their ‘Concept’ nomenclature, we already know about everything there is to know about this car. That being said, the officials though it would still be a good idea to have its product manager, Gerhard Thiel, step in front of the camera and say a few words about it.
The future plug-in hybrid SUV will be using BMW i technology, derived straight from the i3 and i8. The powertrain will be made up of an electric motor and an internal combustion unit that will be working either separately or together.
340 HP and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque
Up front we have a new generation 2-liter 4-cylinder internal combustion engine making 240 HP and 350 Nm (255 lb-ft) of torque thanks to turbocharging. Round the back we’re indulged by the electric motor rated at 95 HP and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. Together they’re good for 340 HP and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque, plenty for a huge car such as the X5.
Plenty of Power for Short Commutes
Thanks to a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, stowed under the luggage compartment, the 2 ton car can do 15 to 20 miles (32 km) on electric mode alone, without using the internal combustion unit at all, reducing the CO2 emissions to an absolute minimum around town. It won’t be no slouch either, the X5 being capable of going up to 75 mph (120 km/h) on EV mode alone.
Could Mark the Start of a Revolution
The X5 eDrive will be only the beginning though. Signs and spyshots showed us that BMW is currently working on an entire new alternative to conventional cars that is powered with electricity too. Plug-in hybrid versions of the 3 Series and 2 Series Active Tourer have been spotted and the 7 Series might also follow this road when the new generation is launched in 2016.