BMW Concept X5 eDrive Makes Electrified Debut in Frankfurt

Peabody, 09/25/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

While the debut of BMW's production-ready i8 plug-in hybrid supercar stole the headlines at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month, the luxury automaker also unveiled a plug-in hybrid concept based on its BMW X5 that could ultimately make a bigger impact on sales. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive is the company's first vehicle to combine xDrive all-wheel drive with an advanced plug-in gas-electric powertrain.

Though production plans have not yet been announced, the Concept X5 eDrive Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) closely matches the styling of the redesigned 2014 BMW X5, aside from the blue exterior accents it receives from the BMW i brand. The concept SAV pairs a TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine with a 95-horsepower electric motor and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, allowing the vehicle to reach 75 mph and travel up to 19 miles on electricity alone.

"One of the more impressive things about the BMW Concept X5 eDrive is that it provides reduced emissions while also improving traction on the road, thanks to an eDrive system that can send power to each wheel instantly and independently," said Marshal Cabot, general manager of BMW of Peabody, a Massachusetts BMW dealer serving Boston. "We hope that the Concept X5 eDrive gets the green light for production in the near future, because it could change the way that luxury buyers look at hybrid SUVs."

Regardless of the fate of the Concept X5 eDrive, luxury buyers can count on the arrival of the 2014 BMW X5 in the fourth quarter of this year. For the first time, the SAV will be offered with rear-wheel drive in a base X5 sDrive35i model, while the 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 in the X5 xDrive50i will receive boosts of 45 horsepower and 30 pound-feet of torque to reach 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. BMW says those changes will also come along with increased fuel efficiency.

For buyers who want an alternate-fuel option, the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d will arrive at dealers early next year with a revamped 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel engine producing 255 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. With the help of new engine technology and the addition of an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2014 X5 xDrive35d is expected to post significant improvements in fuel economy compared to its predecessor while being just as fast, or faster.

"The X5 is already a very popular model, so BMW didn't have to reinvent the wheel, but rather build on the vehicle's strengths during the redesign," added Cabot. "The silhouette of the 2014 BMW X5 remains the same, but the styling has become more aggressive, and the diverse range of powerplants carries over, but with superior performance and efficiency."

About BMW of Peabody:
Located minutes from downtown Boston on Route 114, BMW of Peabody takes pride in offering some of the world’s finest vehicles, backing up every new and used BMW sale with their expert, customer-focused sales and service staff. Recognized as a leading Greater Boston BMW dealer, BMW of Peabody is a five-time winner of the prestigious Center of Excellence Award and offers two BMW service centers to fit the schedules of its busy customers. See their full BMW inventory online at www.bmwpeabody.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bmwofpeabody, visit their showroom at 221 Andover Street in Peabody or call them at 978-538-9900.