BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Plug-in Hybrid Arrives in 2020

The upcoming 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance SUV will offer more than double the all-electric range of the previous X5 plug-in hybrid, bringing the total range up to approximately 50 miles. That’s good news for commuters in the market for a premium plug-in hybrid, provided they can wait two years for the new X5 PHEV to go on sale in the U.S.

Based on the new fourth-generation X5, the hybrid variant replaces the previous model’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine. With that bump in cylinder and turbo count, combined system output rises 81 hp and 110 lb-ft of torque to 389 hp and 442 pound-feet. Whether crawling off-road or circling the mall parking lot, you should be able to notice the difference in output. BMW does note, however, that these specs refer to European models only, and that U.S.-market details will be released closer to launch.

The engine and electric motor are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. BMW claims an estimated 0-62 mph time of 5.6 seconds, which is 0.6 second quicker than a 2016 X5 xDrive40e we tested. Top speed in all-electric mode is 87 mph and a healthy 146 mph with both the gas and electric motivators switched on.

A high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack is located in the SUV’s underbody area, freeing up space in the luggage compartment that only loses about 5.3 cubic feet from the standard X5’s trunk. The X5 plug-in gets a two-axle air suspension system and electronically controlled dampers as standard equipment.

The 2019 BMW X5 is expected to go on sale at U.S. dealerships in the fall, but it’ll be a while before the xDrive45e iPerformance variants reach our shores. Expect more news when the hybrid  officially launches in the U.S. in 2020 as a 2021 model.

Source: BMW

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