New BMW X5 plug-in hybrid: 80-km electric range, 49 g/km

BMW has revealed the highly anticipated PHEV model of its brand new X5: the 45e. Contrary to its predecessor, it is powered by a six-cylinder – a decision that was surely prompted by WLTP and Euro 6d-temp, as well as customer feedback.

More importantly, its battery capacity has been enhanced to push the electric range to an impressive and class-leading 80 km. BMW hasn’t revealed the exact amount of kWh, but the car's correlated NEDC CO₂ rating is 49 g/km. And there is more good news: you can now drive on electricity alone at a speed of up to 140 km/h.

No compromise

All-wheel drive comes standard, and so does the active suspension, so that this green X5 drives like its most dynamically discerning customers expect. The 45e accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds thanks to a combined output of 290 kW and 600 Nm of torque, a large portion of which is available instantly thanks to the electric drive.

From a practical point of view, customers will have to accept that the batteries eat up 150 litres of boot volume. Still, 500 litres remain at their disposal. If the rear seats are folded down, a volume of 1,716 litres is available. The fuel tank holds 69 litres, incidentally – which makes the car suitable for long distances.

The PHEV model of BMW’s midsize SUV will be launched in the course of 2019. Expect deliveries to start in the second half. The X5 is built by BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. 

Picture copyright: BMW, 2018