PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
The new BMW X5 xDrive40e
Sat Jan 16 09:13:00 CET 2016 Press Release
• First plug-in hybrid production car from the BMW core brand. • Sporting performance, outstanding efficiency and superb traction, all in one drivetrain • Cutting-edge drive technology transferred from the BMW i range. • Lithium-Ion high voltage battery with 96 cells and a capacity of 9.0kWh • 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds with up to 85.6mpg and just 77g/km of C02 • European market launch Autumn 2015
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BMW Group
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The BMW X5 xDrive40e is the first plug-in hybrid production car from
the BMW core brand. It combines the versatility and luxurious ambience
of the X5, along with the superb traction provided by the BMW xDrive
intelligent all-wheel-drive system, with BMW’s EfficientDynamics
eDrive technology for outstanding efficiency.
The intelligently controlled interaction between the combustion
engine and the electric drive, which together generate a total system
output of 313hp, endows the BMW X5 xDrive40e with strong acceleration
while simultaneously realising a substantial reduction in fuel
consumption and emissions. It returns a combined fuel consumption of
up to 85.6mpg, and a combined electricity consumption of 15.3kWh. CO2
emissions are just 77g/km.
The BMW X5 xDrive40e reaps the benefits of the technology and
know-how transferred from BMW’s i brand, with exceptionally efficient
performance as well as all-electric mobility with zero tailpipe
emissions, as and when required.
Model | Power | Torque | 0 – 62mph Seconds | Top Speed Mph | Combined Mpg | CO2 Emissions g/km | Price |
X5 xDrive40e | Petrol: 245hp Electric: 113hp | Petrol: 350 @ Electric: 250 | 6.8 | 130mph (limited) | 85.6 | 77 | £52,105 |
Total system output: 313hp | Total system output: 450Nm | Figure range due to varying tyre format |
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The Hybrid Drivetrain: an advanced
partnership
The drive system of the BMW X5 xDrive40e
comprises a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo
technology, and a synchronous electric motor integrated with the
8-speed Steptronic transmission. The lithium-ion high-voltage battery
pack can be topped up with mains electricity from any standard
domestic power socket, or more quickly from the BMW i Wallbox, as well
as at public charging stations. The high-voltage battery, which also
supplies power to the battery for the 12V electrical system via a
voltage transformer, is housed underneath the luggage compartment
floor, where it is well protected in the event of a crash. With a
capacity of 500 – 1,720-litres, the luggage area is barely compromised
compared with other X5s. The standard charging cable can also be
stored in a hinged compartment under the luggage area floor.
Short, everyday journeys in urban areas can easily be completed
with zero tailpipe emissions, while actual fuel consumption is reduced
substantially when driving for distances of up to approximately 15
miles in urban traffic. Driving in this way equates to an equivalent
94.2mpg, setting a new benchmark for efficiency in its segment. On
longer journeys, when both engine and motor need to be deployed, the
powertrain keeps the fuel consumption and emissions figures far lower
than in comparable models with similar power outputs. Assuming the
high-voltage battery is fully charged, daily commutes of up to 37
miles can therefore be completed with a fuel consumption of no more
than 43.5mpg, depending on driving style. What’s more, when the fuel
tank is filled to its 85-litre capacity and the high-voltage battery
pack is charged, the BMW X5 xDrive40e also boasts the X5’s customary
long-distance capabilities for travelling on holiday, for example,
when it still succeeds in keeping fuel consumption above 25.7mpg.
BMW TwinPower Turbo and BMW eDrive
technologies
The 2.0-litre internal combustion petrol
engine fitted in the BMW X5 xDrive40e has already won the coveted
title of “International Engine of the Year” three times. It features a
TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, and VALVETRONIC
variable valve timing and variable camshaft control on both the intake
and exhaust sides (Double-VANOS). The most powerful four-cylinder
petrol unit in the BMW Group’s engine portfolio is notable for its
eager power delivery, delightfully free-revving performance and highly
refined character. It generates a maximum power of 245hp and 350Nm of
peak torque.
The electric motor has an output of 113hp, while its maximum
torque of 250Nm is available instantly in typical electric drive
fashion. This boosts the engine’s output for increased responsiveness
with absolutely no delay when accelerating from stationary, as well as
providing strong performance whenever a quick burst of speed is
required. The BMW X5 xDrive40e completes the 0 to 62mph sprint in just
6.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 130mph. In
all-electric drive mode, the vehicle is capable of a top speed of
75mph, again, electronically limited.
BMW xDrive permanent all-wheel drive even in all-electric
mode
The combined power of the two drive units is
deployed by an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the BMW xDrive
permanent all-wheel-drive system. Shift paddles on the steering wheel
are an option; these enable the driver to swiftly make manual gear
selections.
xDrive ensures superb traction in all weather and road surface
conditions, together with excellent stability and increased agility
during cornering. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch
provides the basis for fully variable distribution of the drive torque
between the front and rear wheels. As it is linked to the DSC (Dynamic
Stability Control), the xDrive system is capable of acting in advance
to counter vehicle understeer or oversteer, and to split the
distribution of torque for the best handling balance. The current
status of power distribution and traction can be viewed in the iDrive display.
Configuration via The Driving Experience Control switch and
eDrive button
The eDrive button on the centre console
lets drivers tailor the powertrain according to their own preferences
and situation. When the vehicle is first started, the default AUTO
eDrive setting is activated, with both engine and electric motor
working efficiently together. The electric motor alone is used for
setting off with normal power requirements, while the engine cuts in
at around 44 mph or when the driver wishes to accelerate briskly. In
this mode, the intelligent operating strategy determines the most
efficient drive combination at all times and switches to it
automatically. The driver can also switch to the all-electric drive
mode setting MAX eDrive, whereupon the vehicle is powered solely by
the electric motor. This mode is designed for comfortable driving with
zero local emissions, and offers a maximum range of approximately 19
miles at a limited top speed of 75mph.
The third mode available is the SAVE Battery setting, which
allows the driver to conserve or build up the high-voltage battery’s
reserves for later on. When driving on the motorway, for instance, the
state of charge can be kept constant or even boosted in order to use
the high-voltage battery’s power for all-electric driving in urban
areas later in the journey. In this way, the stored electrical energy
can be selectively deployed exactly when required.
The BMW X5 xDrive40e also features as standard the Driving
Experience Control switch, just like the conventionally powered model
variants of the X5. This can be used to activate the vehicle set-up
modes COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO, which each have the effect of
altering the throttle mapping, the steering characteristics, the
responses of the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, as well as the
characteristics of the Dynamic Damper Control included as standard on
the BMW X5 xDrive40e. The ECO PRO mode furthermore triggers
efficiency-optimised control of electrically powered comfort
functions, such as the air conditioning, seat heating and heated
mirrors. Besides this, when travelling on the overrun at speeds
between 0 – 100mph, the coasting function shuts off the engine,
allowing the vehicle to glide along without burning any fuel. The
modes selectable with the eDrive button and the Driving Experience
Control switch can be combined freely with one another.
Instrument cluster and Control Display with hybrid-specific
readouts
The BMW X5 xDrive40e features a black-panel
instrument cluster which has had hybrid-specific functions added to
its array of readouts. The drive readiness display positioned in the
lower part of the engine rev counter switches from “OFF” to “READY”
when the start/stop button is pressed. The high-voltage battery’s
state of charge is visualised in the form of a battery symbol below
the gear display. The Driving Experience Control switch setting is
also indicated, as is the operating mode selected with the eDrive
button. Depending on the selected drive mode, information on the
vehicle’s electric and total range, current fuel or electricity
consumption, recuperation of electrical energy in the high-voltage
battery and the progress of vehicle charging can likewise all be shown
in the instrument cluster.
Model-specific menu options and readouts are also available in
the iDrive operating system’s Control Display. An energy flow display
can be called up while on the move, illustrating in graphical form the
interaction between combustion engine and electric motor as well as
how energy is being fed to the high-voltage battery. Charging of the
battery from the mains power supply can also be controlled from the
iDrive menu. A timer function is available for this purpose, which can
factor in a planned departure time as entered by the driver. In
addition to this, preconditioning of both the interior and the battery
can be programmed in the iDrive menu as well. Timer-controlled cooling
or heating ensures a pleasant temperature inside the passenger
compartment ready for the start of the journey, while the high-voltage
battery can also be cooled so that it is in an optimum operating state
at the time of departure. An electrically powered auxiliary heating
and ventilation function is also part of the standard specification.
It can either run on mains electricity during vehicle charging or be
powered by the high-voltage battery if it has sufficient capacity.
Bespoke design elements and a comprehensive standard UK
specification
Bespoke design touches on the exterior
clearly identify the BMW X5 xDrive40e. The most noticeable feature is
the charging connection for the high-voltage battery located in the
left front wing. Blue light effects also appear here at the start of
the charging process to indicate the flow of energy, while the exhaust
system has a twin-tailpipe design with trapezoidal tips. Besides the
model badge at the front of the vehicle’s flanks, the “eDrive” logo
already familiar from the BMW i models graces the tailgate, roof
rails, the doorsill strips with their blue background colour, and the
centre console.
Apart from Dynamic Damper Control, the standard specification
for the BMW X5 xDrive40e also includes self-levelling rear air
suspension. The 2-zone automatic climate control that features as
standard on all BMW X5 model variants is extended to include an
auxiliary heating and ventilation system: this comprises of an
electric instantaneous water heater and an electric refrigerant
compressor which can precondition the car prior to driving. Other
standard features include Xenon headlights, LED fog lights, an
automatic tailgate, Dakota leather upholstery, heated front seats, and
40:20:40 split folding rear seats.
In addition to this, all of the optional extras from the BMW X5
range are available, with the exception of the third row of seats, the
Adaptive Suspension Package Dynamic, Active Steering, the
Multifunctional Instrument Display, comfort seats in the rear and the
ski/snowboard bag. The Design Pure Experience or Design Pure
Excellence packages available for the exterior and interior emphasise
either the X5 xDrive40e’s robust, versatile nature or its exclusive,
luxurious character. This model can also be ordered with the M Sport
package and the bespoke features offered by BMW Individual.
The Navigation system Professional and DAB radio are another
standard features. The cruise control system with braking function and
the Driving Assistant, both likewise included as standard, is
complemented by the wealth of BMW ConnectedDrive services, such as
eDrive Services providing the driver with charging stations details,
BMW Online Services and Real Time Traffic Information. There is also a
whole host of options on offer, including: Driving Assistant Plus
featuring Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Collision
Warning with braking function and Traffic Jam Assistant, the BMW
Head-Up Display, the BMW Night Vision system with pedestrian and
animal recognition as well as Dynamic Light Spot, Lane Change Warning,
Parking Assistant, rear view camera, Surround View and Speed Limit
Info including No Passing Info display. It should be noted that all
driver assistance systems are also available when driving in
all-electric mode. The Adaptive LED Headlights, Comfort Access, as
well as the full selection of 19- and 20-inch light-alloy wheels, are
also available to order. The BMW X5 xDrive 40e comes as standard with
18-inch light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design.
Versatile charging options with pioneering products and
services from BMW 360° ELECTRIC
The plug-in hybrid
design of the BMW X5 xDrive40e provides the ideal basis for extensive
use of the electric drive system for highly efficient mobility, even
including urban driving with zero tailpipe emissions. Its high-voltage
battery offers a gross energy capacity of 9.0 kilowatt hours (kWh) and
can be topped up with energy from any domestic power socket; from a
Wallbox that has been designed for higher currents, as well as at
public charging stations.
When hooked up to a conventional domestic power socket the
high-voltage battery can be fully recharged from flat in around 3
hours and 50 minutes. A tailor-made solution for safe, simple and
extra-fast battery charging at home is available under the umbrella of
BMW 360° ELECTRIC. The BMW i Wallbox Pure is capable of replenishing
the high-voltage battery at a charging rate of 3.5 kW (16 A/230 V). As
a result, it takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to fully recharge an empty
battery pack. Charging progress can be checked on a graphic displayed
in the vehicle’s instrument cluster or on a smartphone using the BMW
Remote app. A second version, the BMW i Wallbox Pro, offers added
convenience features. It’s equipped with a 7-inch colour monitor,
whose user-friendly touchscreen indicates how vehicle charging is
progressing as well as allowing customised settings to be made for
load management and self-produced electricity. The data displayed on
the monitor includes the quantity of energy supplied and information
on preceding charge cycles.
Under the umbrella of BMW 360° ELECTRIC, customers are offered
an all- embracing service concept covering everything from the supply
and installation of the charging station to maintenance, advice and
other services. There is also the ChargeNow service, comprising a
ChargeNow card that grants straightforward access to partner charging
stations and can also be used for convenient billing of the monthly
energy costs. The ParkNow Longterm mobility service simplifies the
task of finding a parking space in urban centres, and also helps with
finding and booking a parking spot with access to charging facilities.
Beyond this, the BMW 360° ELECTRIC portfolio also comprises
maintenance, assistance and other customer services that have been
specially tailored to this model.
Innovative new functions from BMW ConnectedDrive help to plan
journeys in such a way that the vehicle drives on electric power
alone, as much as possible, and at maximum efficiency at all times.
The Navigation system Professional fitted as standard gives drivers
the option of calculating a hybrid-specific ECO PRO route to an
entered destination, which makes allowance for factors such as the
traffic situation, the route profile and driving style. The
intelligent energy management function utilises the available data on
the route profile for all navigation-assisted journeys anyway,
together with real-time traffic information. This forms the basis for
anticipatory and efficiency-optimised powertrain control, that keeps
fuel consumption as low as possible while making intensive use of
electric mobility: for example, when nearing the journey’s
destination. On a longer journey that goes through both rural and
built-up areas, for instance, Brake Energy Regeneration can be
employed and the engine’s load points deliberately raised at higher
speeds to ensure there are sufficient power reserves for completing
the urban sections in all-electric drive mode. What’s more, the
locations of public charging stations are added to the selection of
points of interest on the navigation map whenever route guidance is activated.
The BMW Remote app also comes in a hybrid-specific version for
use on smartphones. It lets the driver retrieve information on the
high-voltage battery’s state of charge, even when they are away from
the vehicle, and also displays the location of public charging
stations. An evaluation of efficiency over the course of the last
journey completed can be viewed on the smartphone as well, along with
the total distance driven purely on electric power and the amount of
fuel saved by using mains electricity. The auxiliary heating and
ventilation functions of the BMW X5 xDrive40e can similarly be
activated remotely with the help of the BMW Remote app.
Production at the BMW Spartanburg plant: centre of excellence
for BMW X models and hybrid technology
The BMW X5
xDrive40e is manufactured at the BMW Spartanburg plant in the US state
of South Carolina. This is where all other model variants of the X5
are built, together with the BMW X6, BMW X3 and BMW X4 models. It has
been over 15 years since the first-generation BMW X5 went into
production, during which time this US plant has evolved into the
global centre of excellence for BMW X models.
The BMW X5 xDrive40e is assembled in parallel with both the
other model variants of the BMW X5 and the BMW X6 on a shared
production line. Special assembly steps have been added to the
manufacturing process for integrating the hybrid-specific components,
and the high-voltage battery is also manufactured on-site.
The BMW X5 xDrive 40e goes on sale Autumn 2015.
Ends
Article Offline Attachments.
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BMW X5 xDrive40e Press Release DOC, EN, 676 KB
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Presentation - BMW Group Multi-Model 2016 PDF, EN, 61.86 MB