Transforming the automotive landscape: hybrid SUV revolution

WHEN it was first introduced just before the turn of the century (yes, that long ago), the BMW X5 set the standard for large luxury SUVs and, in fact, some consider it the pivotal model in the category.

- WILLEM VAN DE PUTTE

I know, I've said some unflattering things about SUVs in general, and I still maintain that a sedan or coupe will always be more attractive than any SUV but the buying public seem to disagree.

The list of sedan cars that have stopped production continues to grow, and as quickly as they disappear, another SUV pops up. You only have to look at the continuing entry of new Chinese models, and virtually every one of them is an SUV.

Which brings us behind the wheel of the BMW X5, or to be more specific, the BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport.

Power

What sets it apart from the rest of the X5 Range is its plug-in hybrid ability, which makes it a New Energy Vehicle (NEV). The X5 combines BMW's superb in-line 6 3.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine with an electric motor.

The engine is used in various states of tune across their portfolio and in this guise provides 230kW and 450Nm of torque mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It’s paired with a 145kW and 280Nm electric motor with a total 29.5kWh, usable 25.7kWh battery providing a system output of 360kW and 700NM.

BMW says it will get to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h and 140km/h using only the battery. The battery should be good for between 90-110 kilometres.

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