BMW Concept X5 eDrive Plug-in Hybrid Debuts in Frankfurt
BMW has revealed the Concept X5 eDrive at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, previewing a plug-in hybrid SUV with 19-mile electric range and sub-90g/km CO2 emissions.
BMW has taken the wraps off the Concept X5 eDrive at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, marking its first plug-in hybrid SUV and a clear indication of where the brand’s mainstream electrification is heading. The concept, based on the third-generation X5, combines a four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with an electric motor for a claimed electric-only range of up to 30 kilometres (19 miles). CO2 emissions are quoted at less than 90g/km, with official test-cycle fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100km (74.3mpg UK).
The electric motor, rated at 70kW (95hp), draws power from a lithium-ion battery pack mounted beneath the boot floor. BMW says the batteries can be recharged using a domestic socket, a public charging point or the company’s Wallbox system. The X5 eDrive can reach up to 120km/h (75mph) on electric power alone, making it viable for short commutes and urban driving without engaging the petrol engine.
Performance figures are in line with BMW’s current SUV range. The company claims the Concept X5 eDrive will accelerate from rest to 100km/h (62mph) in less than seven seconds, despite the additional weight of the hybrid system. The powertrain allows for three driving modes: pure electric, hybrid and a battery save mode to retain charge for later use.
Design differences and hybrid details
Visually, the Concept X5 eDrive is distinguished from the standard X5 by blue accents on the kidney grille, air intakes and rear bumper, echoing the BMW i sub-brand. The show car features unique 21-inch aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels and bespoke roof rails. A charging connector, which illuminates during charging, is integrated into the front wing.
The battery’s positioning beneath the luggage compartment floor preserves most of the X5’s boot space, a key consideration for family and fleet buyers. BMW has not confirmed production plans, but the concept’s near-production appearance and the company’s recent hybrid expansion suggest a showroom model is likely.
BMW’s hybrid direction and rivals
The Concept X5 eDrive follows BMW’s launch of the i3 and i8, extending plug-in technology to its core SUV range. The move puts BMW in direct competition with other premium manufacturers developing plug-in hybrids, including the Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in Hybrid, also shown at Frankfurt (/frankfurt-motor-show-live-mercedes-benz-s500-plug-in-hybrid).
BMW’s plug-in hybrid X5 concept arrives as European emissions targets tighten and demand for low-CO2 SUVs grows. The company has not announced a production timeline or price, but the technology previewed in the Concept X5 eDrive is expected to influence future X5 models and other large BMWs.
