BMW has just unveiled a new hybrid X5 concept, called the Concept5 X5 eDrive. The SUV uses a small, turbocharged engine coupled with a 95-hp electric motor, which can provide speeds up to 75 mph and a maximum range of 19 miles. BMW hasn't forgotten that it manufactures the Ultimate Driving Machine, however, as the X5 eDrive will have the company's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. It also goes from 0-60 mph in under seven seconds when both the electric motor and the engine work together. Most important, the claimed fuel economy average is 74.3 mpg on the U.K. scale. In an X5? Color me impressed.
It's not all mechanical tech, either. The battery is mounted under the cargo area to maximize space and keep the center of gravity low. It can be plugged in and charged up from a standard outlet, and the battery charge and electric range can be viewed on BMW's ConnectedDrive smartphone app. When the driver activates the route guidance function, the nearest public charging points appear on the map. Also worth noting are the groovy, BMW "i Blue" accents around the outside, alerting bystanders that this is no ordinary X5.
Much like the new Range Rover hybrids, there is likely to be some speculation and/or hesitancy around putting a smaller powertrain in a large SUV. The sportiness seems to have remained intact, but what about the utility factor? Since the X5 was never exactly a hardcore off-roader, BMW's on-road focus with the eDrive might make sense.