Automotive

BMW combines plug-in hybrid system with AWD in new X5 concept

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Concept X5 eDrive at the 2014 New York International Auto Show (Photo: Angus MacKenzie/Gizmag)
The Concept X5 eDrive is equipped with a charging cable that's carried in the vehicle
BMW's press release does not specify battery size or charging time
A transparent, blue-illuminated cover shows the battery
The Concept X5 eDrive has an Ivory White leather interior
Blue lighting and illumination is used throughout the interior
The eDrive button is highlighted in i blue
eDrive badging
Blue stitching gives the Concept X5 eDrive's leather interior a distinct look
BMW first prepared the Concept X5 eDrive for the Frankfurt Motor Show last September
The X5 concept has a Silverflake exterior with blue accents
BMW has updated the X5 eDrive for the NY Auto Show
The Concept X5 has a 245-hp turbocharged engine and a 95-hp motor
BMW debuts the Concept X5 eDrive at the 2014 NY International Auto Show
BMW says the X5 concept's trunk is large enough for two large suitcases or four 46-in (117-cm) golf bags
The Concept X5 is designed to work with the Wallbox Pro touchscreen-based charging system
The charging port is illuminated in blue
The Concept X5 eDrive
The Concept X5 eDrive uses electric technology and styling cues from BMW's i brand
The kidney grille slats are highlighted in i-blue
The air intakes also get some subtle i-blue treatment
The X5 concept combines eDrive and xDrive
The X5 eDrive rides on 21-in light alloy wheels
Charging the BMW Concept X5 eDrive
Concept X5 eDrive at the 2014 New York International Auto Show (Photo: Angus MacKenzie/Gizmag)
Concept X5 eDrive at the 2014 New York International Auto Show (Photo: Angus MacKenzie/Gizmag)
Concept X5 eDrive at the 2014 New York International Auto Show (Photo: Angus MacKenzie/Gizmag)
Concept X5 eDrive at the 2014 New York International Auto Show (Photo: Angus MacKenzie/Gizmag)
Concept X5 eDrive at the 2014 New York International Auto Show (Photo: Angus MacKenzie/Gizmag)
BMW updated the Concept X5 eDrive for this month's NY auto show (Photo: Angus MacKenzie/Gizmag)
Concept X5 eDrive at the 2014 New York International Auto Show (Photo: Angus MacKenzie/Gizmag)
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BMW's xDrive meets its eDrive in the new Concept X5 eDrive. However you want to look at it – a more capable plug-in hybrid or a more efficient AWD – the concept blends utility and cleanliness like few other vehicles. Originally revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the X5 concept was reworked for this month's New York International Auto Show.

The new concept SUV (or SAV/Sports Activity Vehicle as BMW insists on calling it) uses eDrive technology filtered down from the BMW i3 and i8. It combines a 245-hp TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine and an internally developed 95-hp electric motor. A lithium-ion battery mounted underneath the luggage floor is wired to the motor, providing up to 19 miles (30 km) of all-electric range and 75 mph (120 km/h) of speed. In addition to the full-electric "MAX eDrive" mode, the X5 concept offers an "AUTO eDrive" hybrid mode and a "SAVE Battery" mode designed to reserve the current level of battery power for later use.

The X5 eDrive represents BMW's first effort at throwing eDrive plug-in hybrid hardware into an xDrive all-wheel configuration. In all three driving modes, power from the motor and/or engine is directed at the driving wheels that can most effectively turn it into forward momentum. BMW says the traction, handling and cornering are all exactly what you'd expect from one of its AWD SUVs, difference being, this one brings home an estimated 62 mpg (3.8 L/100 km) and CO2 emissions below 90 g/km. The concept can accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) in under 7 seconds.

Charging the BMW Concept X5 eDrive

In addition to switching between driving modes to change the engine-motor output configuration, drivers can tweak other drive settings with three modes: Comfort, Sport and ECO Pro. In ECO Pro mode, "the energy management system orchestrates the interaction between engine and electric drive unit as the driving situation changes in order to maximize efficiency." On top of that, the Proactive Driving Assistant works with the navigation system to factor route, traffic and speed restriction information into the hybrid-drive equation.

The concept also includes ConnectedDrive technologies, such as a dynamic range display that calculates remaining electric range, making updates based not only on distance driven, but also traffic, driving style and route profile. A smartphone app allows remote control features and remote viewing of car information.

Visually, the X5 eDrive wears some subtle adornments to separate it from the regular ICE-powered X5. Its Silverflake metallic exterior is highlighted with BMW i Blue around the grille, air intakes and rear bumper insert. This theme continues through the doors, where light blue seams are stitched around the Ivory White leather, blue accent strips accentuate the piano black trim and blue ambient lighting appears throughout.

Source: BMW

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