BMW to debut Concept X5 eDrive plug-in hybrid at Frankfurt Motor Show

BMW is using the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show to present the logical next step towards efficiency in the SUV segment. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive plug-in hybrid will make its debut at the show next month.

Claimed to combine driving pleasure of a BMW all-wheel drive with plug-in hybrid efficiency, the Concept X5 eDrive has a maximum range of 30km on electric power alone at up to 120km/h, and an average fuel consumption of just 3.8L/100km. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in under 7.0 seconds.

The concept study’s eDrive system consists of a turbocharged four-cylinder combustion engine and a 70kW (95hp) electric motor. It sources its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery and can be charged from any domestic power socket. The high-voltage battery is mounted underneath the load area, whose capacity remains virtually unchanged.

There is a choice of three driving modes, depending on requirements and situation – 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.

Although based on the current BMW X5, the Concept X5 eDrive wears the BMW i Blue colour developed for the BMW i brand on its kidney grille slats, air intake bars and the inlay in the rear bumper. The car also comes with specially designed roof rails, a connector for the charging cable that lights up during charging and 21-inch light alloy wheels.

BMW’s ConnectedDrive also help drivers to maximise the number of journeys they complete on electric power alone. For example, the electric range available is shown as a numerical value. The car’s dynamic range display uses intelligent connectivity to keep a constant eye on all the factors affecting range, such as traffic conditions, route profile and driving style.

When the route guidance function is activated, the location of public charging stations is added to the points of interest shown on the navigation map. Drivers can call up stations located along their route or at their destination, and the system also tells them how much charging time is required to top up the battery once again.

All information concerning battery charge and electric range can also be viewed on the driver’s Smartphone. A Remote app from BMW ConnectedDrive, developed specially to meet the requirements of electric mobility, enables owners to control the charging process from their phone. It also allows the vehicle to be pre-programmed while it is connected to an electricity source. For example, the heating and climate control system can be activated remotely to ensure a pleas-ant temperature inside the car before the driver sets off.