We just published yesterday on the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) being spied in South Carolina. Didn’t have to wait long for a lot more details and pics. Here’s the scoop from sister site Gas2′s Chris DeMorro and BMW:
While BMW has been dabbling in diesel sedans and readying i3 and i8 for their 2014 debut, the German automaker has not neglected those who would rather have a hybrid. Next month at the Frankfurt Auto Show,
the BMW Concept X5 eDrive plug-in hybrid will be unveiled to the world,
and though not confirmed for production, it certainly looks ready for
primetime.
The BMW Concept X5 eDrive pairs a 95-horsepower electric
motor with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (of unspecified displacement
and power), and can reportedly operate under electric power for up to
19 miles, and at speeds of up to 75 mph. BMW claims it consumes just 3.8
liters of fuel per 100 km, which works to approximately 62 mpg on the
U.S. testing cycle.
Being a Bimmer though, engineers made sure the X5 could
scoot to 60 mph in under 7 seconds, and the Concept X5 eDrive also comes
with three battery modes. Save Battery maintains the current battery
levels, allowing drivers to make a highway trip before slipping into
electric mode at their urban destination. There’s also an all-electric
mode, as well as a mode that handles all that thinking for you.
The BMW Concept X5 eDrive makes its official debut next
month, and it looks ready to go from the show floor to the dealership if
you ask me.
BMW eDrive meets BMW xDrive – an innovative combination
designed to deliver efficient driving pleasure: The BMW Concept5 X5
eDrive.
The BMW Concept X5 eDrive (08/2013)
Munich. The new BMW X5 raises efficiency to another new level in
the world of the luxurious Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). BMW is using
the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) to present the logical
next step towards landmark efficiency in the SAV segment. The BMW
Concept X5 eDrive combines the brand of driving pleasure for which the
xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system is renowned and a luxurious
ambience within the variable-use interior with a plug-in hybrid drive
concept. Its innovative BMW eDrive technology guarantees the hallmark
sporting ability of a BMW, while at the same time opening the door to
speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph), a maximum range of 30 kilometres (19
miles) on electric power alone and average fuel consumption in the EU
test cycle of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres (74.3 mpg imp).
The concept study’s BMW eDrive system consists of a four-cylinder
combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric
motor which is also the work of the BMW Group. The 70 kW/95 hp motor
sources its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. It can be
charged from any domestic power socket and has sufficient capacity to
enable the car to travel up to 30 kilometres (19 miles) solely on
electric power, generating zero local emissions in the process. The
high-voltage battery developed for the BMW Concept X5 eDrive is mounted
in a particularly crash-safe position underneath the load area, whose
capacity remains virtually unchanged as a result. 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 Save Battery mode to maintain the current battery charge.
The groundbreaking character of the BMW Concept X5 eDrive is
highlighted by understated but precisely arranged design accents. For
example, the kidney grille slats, air intake bars and the inlay in the
rear bumper – all in the BMW i Blue colour developed for the BMW i brand
– present an appealing contrast to the Silverflake metallic exterior
paintwork. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive also comes with specially designed
roof rails, a connector for the charging cable that lights up during
charging, and 21-inch light-alloy wheels in an exclusive,
aerodynamically optimised design.
BMW eDrive in a Sports Activity Vehicle: intelligent
hybrid technology delivers outstanding efficiency and characteristic
driving pleasure.
Electrification of the powertrain allows BMW to unlock impressive
potential for reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The BMW eDrive
technology developed by the BMW Group to this end comes in various
forms, each tailored precisely to the vehicle concept at hand. The BMW
Group’s first purely electrically powered vehicle to go into series
production – the BMW i3 – celebrates its world premiere at the IAA 2013.
And taking to the stage alongside the i3 will be the BMW Concept X5
eDrive, which follows in the tyre tracks of the BMW Concept Active
Tourer unveiled in 2012 as the second plug-in hybrid vehicle to feature
BMW eDrive.
BMW eDrive technology hooks up with the intelligent
all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive for the first time in the BMW Concept
X5 eDrive. The new study vehicle offers superior driving characteristics
underpinned by the electronically controlled and fully variable
distribution of drive between its front and rear wheels. Regardless of
the driving mode selected, the power generated by the electric motor,
combustion engine or the two units together is channelled quickly and
precisely to the wheels where it can be converted most effectively into
propulsion. This allows the BMW Concept X5 eDrive to demonstrate the
typical qualities of an SAV – assured traction and optimised stability
in all weather and road conditions, coupled with increased agility
through dynamically taken corners – in outstandingly efficient fashion.
The versatile and sporty driving attributes of the BMW Concept X5 eDrive
are complemented by average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of
3.8 litres per 100 kilometres (74.3 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of under
90 grams per kilometre.
The electric motor in the BMW Concept X5 eDrive generates maximum
output of 70 kW/95 hp and – thanks to impressive torque available from
the word go – demonstrates the instantaneous power delivery that has
become a hallmark of electric drive systems. All of which elevates
driving pleasure and efficiency to another level. The synchronous
electric motor developed by the BMW Group also maintains a steady flow
of power into the upper reaches of its load range and keeps weight low.
The motor alone can propel the BMW Concept X5 eDrive to a top speed of
120 km/h (75 mph). As part of the boost function, it can also be used to
give the combustion engine a noticeable hit of extra energy during
acceleration and during dynamic mid-range sprints. The BMW Concept X5
eDrive can complete the sprint from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under
7.0 seconds.
ECO PRO mode and all-electric driving: efficiency on demand.
Like members of the current series-produced BMW line-up, the BMW
Concept X5 eDrive also offers ECO PRO mode, which is activated using the
Driving Experience Control switch and encourages a particularly
efficient driving style. This default mode is engaged when the car is
started and offers intelligent hybrid functionality, whereby the energy
management system tailors the interplay of combustion engine and
electric drive system to most efficient effect. Drivers can also enjoy
the services of the hybrid-specific Proactive Driving Assistant, which
teams up with the navigation system to incorporate factors such as route
profile, speed restrictions and the traffic situation into the driving
mode selection.
Drivers can also switch to the all-electric driving mode. With
the battery fully charged, the car can cover up to 30 kilometres (19
miles) on electric power alone and therefore with zero local emissions.
Another option is the Save Battery mode, which allows the battery’s
energy capacity to be maintained – for example, if the driver wants to
cover the final stretch of a longer journey through town on purely
electric power.
Everyday usability: flexible charging scenarios and viability.
In order to allow the extra efficiency of its electric powertrain to
be utilised as widely as possible, the BMW Concept X5 eDrive is
designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Its high-voltage battery can be
recharged from any domestic power socket, a Wallbox designed to offer
stronger currents or a public charging station. The impressive degree of
flexibility drivers can look forward to when choosing a charging point
is enhanced by the charging cable stored in the load area below the flat
storage compartment. The battery unit is located a level lower still,
which means the car’s overall load-carrying capacity is only slightly
reduced. The boot offers space for two large suitcases or four 46-inch
golf bags, and the SAV’s high level of variability – thanks in part to
its 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear seat backrest – is retained, as are
the generous levels of space and comfort over long journeys that it
offers in all five seats.
Intelligent connectivity for greater efficiency.
Innovative functions from BMW ConnectedDrive help drivers to
maximise the number of journeys they complete on electric power alone.
For example, in the BMW Concept X5 eDrive, 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 fully 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 pleasant
temperature inside the car before the driver sets off.
Source: BMW , cleantechnica
