The X5
eDrive will be one of the first mainstream BMW’s to have the plug-in-hybrid
technology. This X5 is going on sale later this year and is estimated to be priced
around £55,000 and is also promising more than 70mpg.
This X5 will
be using the latest Twin power, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine while
running alongside an electric motor. The X5 eDrive can drive up to 18 miles on
just the electric motor, whilst still being able to reach 60mph in under seven
seconds but limited to 75mph in full electric mode, while with the petrol
engine it will be able to reach a respectable 155mph.
This car,
due to the extra weight of the batteries is obviously heavier than the original
X5 models however, it has been hinted that the eDrive will only weigh in
between 250 and 300kg heavier than the X5’s without the battery system.
The external
appearance of the eDrive is not changing much. The few changes are only, a
plug-in socket on the front left wing, a few eDrive badge. The interior changes
are only a few more buttons to activate the full electric mode, but otherwise
it looks and feels like a normal X5.
When you set
of in the eDrive, a new display reveals exactly where the power is coming from
and which wheels it’s being delivered to. The petrol engine is in red, and the
electric motor is blue. As far as the recovery system, it’s down to the driver
how severe you want the energy recovery to be, simply by choosing different
driving modes. When you put it in sport mode, the eDrive feels genuinely fast,
with both sources working together.
BMW’s xDrive
system splits the torque via the four-wheel drive system to each wheel. BMW are
working to keep the eDrive’s handling sharp and responsive, and working on
keeping a 50:50 weight distribution. The off-road capabilities may not be top
priority but being able to tow could be. The eDrive will be able to pull the
same 3,500kg load as any X5, excluding the 25d model.
One drawback
of the new plug-in system is that some of the storage space in the boot is lost
due to the batteries, having to be housed underneath the boots floor. There is
a small storage space under the boot floor but only really big enough to hold a
charging cable.
BMW has
managed to retain most of the characteristics of the original X5 despite the
new hi-tech power train.
This X5
eDrive is one step towards the future of battery powered cars. So if you want
to be a part of this massive change to automotive travel then be ready for the
X5 eDrive!!
By David Carr
Written by Unknown
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