the rechargeable hybrid SUV with great autonomy

Reaching 24 kWh, the battery of the new BMW X5 rechargeable hybrid allows up to 87 kilometers of battery life in the WLTP cycle. A record!

While most plug-in hybrid models have started their career with "small" batteries limiting their autonomy to a few tens of kilometers, the democratization of technology coupled with lower costs encourages manufacturers to go much further. This is the case of BMW, which is gradually renewing its range by making significant advances.

After revealing a few weeks ago the new version of its Series 2 plug-in hybrid, the brand now lifts the veil on the new BMW X5 xDrive45e. While the first version was content with a battery pack of 9 kWh, the new is a new pack of 24 kWh, including 21 kWh useful. That's more than the 22 kWh offered by the first generation of the BMW i3!

Integrated under the floor, this battery is however lose a little space in the trunk. The latter displays up to 500 liters, 150 less than on the thermal versions. Once the rear seats folded, the capacity can climb up to 1720 liters.

In terms of autonomy and according to the WLTP cycle, BMW evokes between 67 and 87 kilometers depending on the version chosen, an average conso of 23.1 to 28.3 kWh / 100 km. The peak speed of the electric mode has also been improved from 120 to 135 km / h.

On the other hand, the carrying capacity does not seem to have evolved. While the presence of a 7 kW charger seemed obvious with the increase in battery capacity, the technical data released by the manufacturer evoke a simple charger 3.7 kW. In the best case, it will take a little less than 7 hours for a full charge. Not great when you know that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, much cheaper, includes a standard CHAdeMO connector for fast charging.

Nearly 400 horses under the hood

On the engine side, the new X5 plug-in hybrid remains a powerhouse. Under the hood, it receives a powertrain of 290 kW (394 hp) and 600 Nm, 81 horses more than the previous version.

Replacing the old four-cylinder, the new six-cylinder petrol engine develops up to 210 kW (286 hp). Developing 83 kW (113 hp) and 265 Nm, the electric motor is unchanged. In acceleration, the BMW X5 xDrive 45e achieves the 0 to 100 km / h in 5.6 seconds, 1.2 seconds better than its predecessor. Its top speed is announced at 235 km / h.

In terms of consumption, the brand is satisfied with the most flattering figures of the WLTP cycle, announcing 1.2 to 1.9 l / 100 km of average consumption, ie 27 to 44 g CO2 / km.

A little more expensive than the previous generation, the new BMW X5 plug-in hybrid is announced from 77,600 euros on the German market. For the moment, its tariffs in the hexagon were not communicated.