As if BMW wasn’t already in cutting edge limelight, they enter the newly minted plug-in hybrid SUV fray with their 2016 X5 xDrive40e.
The 2016 X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid combines a 240 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 111 horsepower electric motor integrated into its 8-speed automatic transmission.
Together, the two power sources can deliver an impressive 308 horsepower and 332 pound feet of torque. BMW says that even with its heavy battery and hardware, it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.
Its lithium-ion battery pack can be plugged in and charged, allowing for up to 13 miles of driving in electric only mode with top speeds of 75 mph – emission free. Outside of that, the X5 xDrive40e functions much like that of any other hybrid vehicle.
Making it unique in the marketplace, the X5 xDrive40e retains a traditional all-wheel-drive system with a drive shaft and transfer case which means even in electric only mode, it still offers all-wheel-drive.
And even with the rotating mass and losses associated with its dedicated all-wheel-drive system, BMW claims it can achieve 55 MPGe.
It will feature multiple drive modes which allow you to choose which power source is being used and how. You can reserve electric power for another time, use it exclusively, or turn up to full sport mode and have it all.
The 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e will be built Stateside at the Spartanburg, South Carolina plant and goes on sale here in the fall. Pricing will be announced closer to that time.
