BMW introduces new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid

MANILA: Not many can deny that BMW is one of the most active luxury carmakers around the world. And time and again it manages to pull out something impressive for its customers and prospective buyers. The latest version of the X5 mid-size SUV was launched in June this year and featured a lot of cosmetic changes to be more relevant to the design current trend.

And after a few months from its introduction, the Bavarian automaker has brought a new plug-in hybrid model in the X5 lineup, naming it the xDrive45e. This new hybrid model is the replacement for the earlier xDrive40e and has a lot of improvements in its power and driving range.

The BMW X5 xDrive45e has a huge bump in the power production and performance. It runs on a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine which can pack in a maximum power of 286 PS. Moreover, the electric motor can make another 112 PS, taking the total power production to 394 PS and 600 Nm of torque. The total produced power is sent down to all the four wheels via a Steptronic automatic 8-speed transmission unit.

With the high power on the engine, this new hybrid BMW X5 can hit an acceleration of 0-100 kmph in 5.6 seconds before landing to a top speed of 235 kmph. Moreover, in pure electric mode too, the top-seep of 140 kmph is quite staggering. Plus, the improved lithium-ion battery pack helps it to run 80 kilometres on electric mode only.

Other fitments on the new BMW X5 xDrive45e include an air suspension with its dampers being electronically-controlled and an active four-wheel steering. However, not everything about it is great as the cargo volume (at 500 litres) has gone down by around 150 litres.

Wrapping up this new BMW plug-in hybrid model introduction, the company has not made any designing changes or interior tweaks, except for its badging.