BMW
BMW has created a concept for the plug-in
electric version of its popular X5 midsize
crossover SUV. It will be shown at the
Frankfurt Motor Show
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. -- Even as it
continues to develop its prowess in diesel
engines, BMW is getting more serious
about plug-in hybrids.
It gave a sneak peek at how a plug-in hybrid
system that could work in the popular X5
midsize SUV. The system can power the car
on electric drive alone for up to 20 miles,
has the potential for being rated at 40 miles
a gallon using the government's protocol
for electric-car equivilent driving and can
run electric-only at speeds up to 75 miles
per hour.
The concept will be shown at the New York
Auto Show preview this week.
"It's a connecting step" between BMW's i-
Series plug-in electric models and its
conventional models, Gerhard Thiel,
project director for the X5 plug-in told a
group of journalists at BMW's North
American headquarters here Tuesday.
While no announcement has been made
about production version of the Concept X5
eDrive plug-in, BMW spokesman Manfred
Poschenrieder says the brand is aiming at
having a hybrid alternative in each of its
major model ranges.
At present, its plug-in electric cars consist
of an i3 electric city car, with an optional
gas extender engine, and a soon-to-arrive i8
hybrid sports car on the way.
Poschenrieder says BMW could stand out
in the market by giving plug-in capability to
the X5 because it larger than most of the
electrified cars out there. It holds more
potential for better gas mileage without
sacrifices -- adding weight, eating up
passenger space for batteries or ending up
cost well above competitive vehicles.
"It totally makes sense for us to hybridize
such a car," he says.
If the concept becomes a production
vehicle, however, it won't likely show up for
more than a year.
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