The new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance now available in Singapore

BMW Asia and Performance Motors announced the availability of the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance, the first plug-in hybrid production car from the BMW core brand. It combines the versatility and luxurious ambience of the BMW X5, along with the superb traction provided by the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, with BMW’s EfficientDynamics eDrive technology for outstanding efficiency.

The intelligently controlled interaction between the combustion engine and the electric drive, which together generate a system output of 313 hp, endows the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance with exceptionally dynamic acceleration while also substantially cutting fuel consumption and emissions in everyday driving.

The use of BMW eDrive technology for exceptionally efficient performance as well as all-electric mobility with zero tailpipe emissions as and when required ushers in a whole new form of commanding driving experience in a sports activity vehicle. At the same time, the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance reaps the benefits of the technology and know-how transferred from the debut of the BMW i cars. The BMW i8 blazes a trail for sustainable driving pleasure with plug-in hybrid drive power, which can now also be enjoyed for the first time in a model from the BMW core brand.

Drive duo and permanent all-wheel drive for trademark driving pleasure and maximum efficiency.

Thanks to its duo of drive units, the intelligent hybrid powertrain control and permanent all-wheel drive, the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance promises utterly effortless performance and supreme efficiency out on the road. Its drive system comprises of a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor integrated in the 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

The lithium-ion high-voltage battery pack can be topped up particularly quickly, safely and conveniently from the BMW i Wallbox Plus, as well as at public charging stations. The high-voltage battery, which also supplies power to the battery for the 12V electrical system via a voltage transformer, is housed underneath the luggage compartment floor, where it is particularly well protected in the event of a crash. The new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance offers a luggage capacity of 500 – 1,720 litres. The plug-in hybrid model thus provides all the versatility associated with a large sports activity vehicle in terms of not just its driving qualities but also its levels of spaciousness.

The new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance furthermore succeeds in fusing its versatility and supreme poise with a level of efficiency that simply places it in a class of its own. Short everyday journeys in urban areas can be easily completed with zero tailpipe emissions, and when the fuel tank is filled to its 85-litre capacity and the high-voltage battery pack is charged, the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance also boasts the customary long-distance capabilities for travelling on holiday. The plug-in hybrid drive system aboard the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance thus allows for clear efficiency savings in everyday driving situations when compared to conventionally powered models in this segment.

BMW TwinPower Turbo and BMW eDrive technologies mated to perfection.

The 2.0-litre internal combustion engine fitted in the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance has already won the coveted title of “International Engine of the Year” three times and features a TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and variable camshaft control on both the intake and exhaust sides (Double-VANOS). The most powerful four-cylinder petrol unit in the BMW Group’s engine portfolio stands out for its eager power delivery, delightfully free-revving performance and highly refined running characteristics. It generates a maximum output of 245 hp and 350 Nm of peak torque.

The electric motor puts an output of 113 hp on tap, while its maximum torque of 250 Nm is available from the word go in typical electric drive fashion. This has the effect of boosting the engine’s output for thrilling, instantaneous responsiveness and power build-up with absolutely no delay when accelerating from stationary, as well as far more dynamic performance whenever a quick burst of speed is required. The new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance completes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 6.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h. In all-electric drive mode, meanwhile, the vehicle is capable of a top speed of 120 km/h, again electronically limited.

BMW xDrive permanent all-wheel drive even in all-electric mode.

The power stemming from the two drive units is transformed into effortless forward motion courtesy of the 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the BMW xDrive permanent all-wheel-drive system. The new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance can be optionally equipped with shift paddles on the steering wheel, enabling the driver to swiftly make manual gear selections with the greatest of ease.

Regardless of the proportion of drive power being sourced from the engine and motor respectively, xDrive ensures supreme traction in all weather and road surface conditions, together with optimised handling stability and increased agility when powering through corners.

An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch provides the basis for fully variable distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear wheels. As it is linked up to the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), the xDrive system is furthermore capable of acting in advance to counter vehicle understeer or oversteer and to always direct drive power in such a way as to optimise the handling dynamics.

Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button allow the vehicle set-up and powertrain control to be configured as desired.

The eDrive button on the centre console lets the driver modify the powertrain control. When the vehicle is first started, the default AUTO eDrive setting is activated, with both engine and electric motor working highly efficiently in tandem. The electric motor alone is used for setting off with normal power requirements, while the engine cuts in at around 70 km/h or when the driver wishes to accelerate very sharply.

In this mode, the intelligent operating strategy determines the most efficient drive combination at all times and switches to it automatically. The driver can also switch to the all-electric drive mode setting MAX eDrive, in which the vehicle is powered solely by the electric motor. This mode is designed for comfortable driving with zero local emissions without the engine being started, and offers a maximum range of 31 km at a limited top speed of 120 km/h.

The third mode that can be activated is the SAVE Battery setting, which allows the driver to save or build up the high-voltage battery’s energy reserves for a later point in time. When driving on the motorway, for instance, the state of charge can be kept constant or even boosted in order to use the high-voltage battery’s power for all-electric driving in urban areas later in the journey. In this way, the stored electrical energy can be selectively deployed exactly when required.

The new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance also comes as standard with a Driving Experience Control switch, just like the conventionally powered model variants of the sports activity vehicle. This can be used to activate the vehicle set-up modes COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO, which each have the effect of altering the throttle mapping, the steering characteristics, the responses of the 8 speed Steptronic transmission, as well as the characteristics of the Dynamic Damper Control included as standard on the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance .

The ECO PRO mode triggers efficiency-optimised control of electrically powered comfort functions, such as the air conditioning. Besides this, when travelling on the overrun at speeds between 0 and 160 km/h, the coasting function shuts off the engine, allowing the vehicle to glide along without burning any fuel.

The modes selectable with the eDrive button and the Driving Experience Control switch can be combined with one another at will, allowing the powertrain control and vehicle set-up to be tailored precisely to the prevailing situation and the driver’s personal preferences. In this way, comfort, sportiness and efficiency can each be combined with high-intensity hybrid driving as desired.

Instrument cluster and Control Display with hybrid-specific readouts.

The new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance comes as standard with a black-panel instrument cluster which has had hybrid-specific functions added to its array of readouts. The drive readiness display positioned in the lower part of the engine rev counter switches from “OFF” to “READY” when the start/stop button is pressed. The high-voltage battery’s state of charge is visualised in the form of a battery symbol below the gear display.

The Driving Experience Control switch setting is also indicated, as is the operating mode selected with the eDrive button. Depending on the selected drive mode, information on the vehicle’s electric and total range, current fuel or electricity consumption, recuperation of electrical energy in the high-voltage battery and the progress of vehicle charging can likewise all be shown in the instrument cluster.

Model-specific menu options and readouts are also available in the iDrive operating system’s Control Display. An energy flow display can be called up while on the move, illustrating in graphical form the interaction between combustion engine and electric motor as well as how energy is being fed to the high-voltage battery.

A timer function is available for this purpose, which can factor in a planned departure time as entered by the driver. In addition to this, preconditioning of both the interior and the battery can be programmed in the iDrive menu as well. Timer-controlled cooling or heating ensures a pleasant temperature inside the passenger compartment ready for the start of the journey, while the high-voltage battery can also be cooled so that it is in an optimum operating state at the time of departure.

The electrically powered auxiliary heating and ventilation function is also part of the standard specification on the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance . It can either be run while the vehicle is charging or be powered by the high-voltage battery if it has sufficient capacity.

A classic sports activity vehicle offering unique hybrid performance.

Exclusive, bespoke design touches on the model’s exterior clearly identify the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance as a classic sports activity vehicle while also making its unique hybrid capabilities plain to see. The most noticeable feature is the charging connection for the high-voltage battery located in the left front wing. Blue light effects also appear here at the start of the charging process to indicate the flow of energy. The exhaust system on the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance has a twin-tailpipe design with trapezoidal tips. Besides the model badge at the front of the vehicle’s flanks, the “eDrive” logo already familiar from the BMW i models graces the tailgate, the door sill strips with their blue background colour, as well as the centre console.

Apart from Dynamic Damper Control, the standard specification for the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance also includes self-levelling rear air suspension. The 2 zone automatic climate control that features as standard on all BMW X5 model variants is extended to include an auxiliary heating and ventilation system comprising an electric instantaneous water heater and an electric refrigerant compressor. In addition to this, all of the optional extras from the BMW X5 range are available, with the exception of the third row of seats, the Adaptive Suspension Package Dynamic, Active Steering, the Multifunctional Instrument Display, comfort seats in the rear and the ski/snowboard bag.

The new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance can equally be specified with the Design Pure Experience or Design Pure Excellence packages for the exterior and interior to emphasise either the sports activity vehicle’s robust, versatile nature or its exclusive, luxurious character. The plug-in hybrid model can also be ordered with the M Sport package and the bespoke features offered by BMW Individual.

The Navigation system Professional is another standard feature in the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance. The cruise control system with braking function, included as standard, can be complemented by the wealth of BMW ConnectedDrive options on offer, including Driving Assistant Plus featuring Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Collision Warning with braking function and Traffic Jam Assistant, BMW Head-Up Display, the BMW Night Vision system with pedestrian and animal recognition as well as Dynamic Light Spot and Lane Change Warning.

All driver assistance systems are also available when driving in all-electric mode. The Adaptive LED Headlights, Comfort Access, as well as the full selection of light-alloy wheels, are available to order for the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance. 19-inch light-alloy wheels in EfficientDynamics design are fitted as standard.

Highly versatile charging options as well – thanks to pioneering products and services from BMW 360° ELECTRIC.

The plug-in hybrid design of the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance provides the ideal basis for extensive use of the electric drive system for highly efficient mobility, even including urban driving with zero tailpipe emissions. Its high-voltage battery offers a gross energy capacity of 9.0 kWh and can be topped up with energy from the BMW i Wallbox Plus as well as at public charging stations.

When hooked up to an industrial socket (IEC 60309-2), the high-voltage battery can be fully recharged from flat in around 3 hours and 50 minutes. A tailor-made solution for safe, simple and extra-fast battery charging at home is available for the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance under the umbrella of BMW 360° ELECTRIC.

Under the umbrella of BMW 360° ELECTRIC, customers are offered an all-embracing service concept covering everything from the supply and installation of the charging station to maintenance, advice and other services. The BMW 360° ELECTRIC portfolio also comprises of maintenance, assistance and other customer services that have been specially tailored to this model.

Innovative new functions from BMW ConnectedDrive furthermore help to plan journeys in such a way that the vehicle drives on electric power alone as much as possible and at maximum efficiency at all times. The Navigation system Professional fitted in the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance as standard gives drivers the option of calculating a hybrid-specific ECO PRO route to an entered destination, which makes allowance for factors such as the traffic situation, the route profile and driving style.

The intelligent energy management function in the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance utilises the available data on the route profile for all navigation-assisted journeys anyway, together with real-time traffic information. This forms the basis for anticipatory and efficiency-optimised powertrain control that keeps fuel consumption as low as possible while making intensive use of electric mobility, for example when nearing the journey’s destination.

On a longer journey that goes through both rural and built-up areas, for instance, Brake Energy Regeneration can be employed and the engine’s load points deliberately raised at higher speeds to ensure there are sufficient power reserves for completing the urban sections in all-electric drive mode. What’s more, the locations of public charging stations are added to the selection of points of interest on the navigation map whenever route guidance is activated.

The BMW Remote app also comes in a hybrid-specific version and lets the driver retrieve information on the high-voltage battery’s state of charge even when they are away from the vehicle by using a smartphone. The app also displays the location of public charging stations. Efficiency evaluations for the last journey completed can be viewed on the smartphone as well, along with the total distance driven purely on electric power and the amount of fuel saved by using the BMW i Wallbox Plus. The auxiliary heating and ventilation functions of the new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance can similarly be activated remotely with the help of the BMW Remote app.

Charging infrastructure in Singapore.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) recently launched an electric vehicle (EV) car-sharing programme that will see 1,000 EVs and 2,000 charging points being rolled out from 2017 till 2020. Up to 20 percent of the charging points will be available for public use. A different charging plug standard, known as “Type 2”, was also introduced this year. While it is not mandatory for existing vehicles and home chargers to switch from Type 1 to Type 2, in the longer term, it is anticipated that most vehicles and charging points in Singapore will follow the Type 2 standard.

BMW Asia is working with Greenlots to build up the charging infrastructure in Singapore. There are currently 60 public EV charging stations at 37 locations spread across the island. Drivers can locate the charging stations nearest to them within the ChargeNow network quickly and easily by making use of BMW ConnectedDrive Services in their vehicle’s navigation system for real-time status, pricing information and turn-by-turn directions. Powered by Greenlots, ChargeNow is a mobility service from BMW i and it is the largest public charging network in Singapore. BMW ConnectedDrive, the BMW ConnectedDrive app and the Greenlots app make locating and using charging stations run by partners an extremely fast and easy process, while the ChargeNow card allows convenient electronic billing and payment.

The new BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance is now available for viewing at Performance Motors’ showroom.