New BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid revealed

BMW has confirmed that it will produce a plug-in hybrid version of the new BMW X5 large SUV that’s due in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2018.

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The new BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance replaces the xDrive40e and – if it comes to Australia -- would give BMW a hybrid alternative to the likes of the Audi Q7 TDi, Range Rover Vogue, Mercedes-Benz GLE500e, Porsche Cayenne eHybrid, Tesla Model X and Volvo XC90 T8.

BMW claims the new X5 plug-in hybrid, which combines electric motors and a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, can drive for up to 80km on battery power alone, almost three times the electric-only range of its predecessor. When using both its electric motors and petrol engine, the X5 xDrive45e can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a sportscar-like 5.6 seconds.

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The new-generation BMW X5 large SUV was revealed globally (https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-news/2019-bmw-x5-revealed) in June 2018 with external styling changes best described as evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The vehicle is slightly bigger than the previous model, but also lighter, which should benefit fuel consumption.

Width and height increases are claimed to deliver additional legroom for second and third row occupants, and increased cargo capacity.

Inside, the headline changes include a new “Digital Key” which uses your smartphone to unlock and lock doors, and a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen featuring BMW’s latest iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

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Safety equipment on the X5 range includes city-speed emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and emergency stop assistant.

The BMW X5 plug-in hybrid is likely to slot into the new range between the X5 xDrive30i and the high performance X5 xDrive50i, with a price of around the current model’s $124,200.