BMW has unveiled the plug-in hybrid version of the all-new X5, the BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance, which is going to arrive in Europe in 2019. Sadly BMW doesn’t plan to bring it to the US until 2020 as a 2021 model.
The BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance is powered by a 286 hp 3.0L six-cylinder engine and a 112 hp electric motor that generate a combined 394 hp and 443 lb-ft. of torque. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and it sends the power to all four wheels in either electric or hybrid modes.
We’re still waiting for BMW to reveal the fully electric iNext SUV, so in the meantime BMW buyers will have to make due with the 50 mile EV range that the X5 xDrive45e iPerformance provides.
The BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance also comes standard with a two-axle air suspension and electronically controlled dampers, while integral active steering is optional.
When the 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance arrives in the US it will face a big list of new electric SUVs, like the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC. Both the e-tron and EQC are fully electric SUVs, so it will be interesting to see how many buyers choose the X5 plug-in hybrid over its Audi and Mercedes-Benz rivals.
Source: BMW
