BMW Group Malaysia has launched the new BMW X5 xDrive40e, the premium automaker’s newest locally assembled plug-in hybrid vehicle in the country.
The new BMW X5 xDrive40e assembled in Malaysia is the 11th model to join the portfolio of locally-assembled vehicles at BMW Group Malaysia’s Assembly Facilities at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park, introducing new local content, assembly and testing equipment at the facility.
The introduction of the BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid is a new breed of BMW that combines the versatility of an Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the control of xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive, and the EfficientDynamics eDrive technology.
Exterior wise, what sets the X5 xDrive40e apart from its petrol and diesel powered siblings is the charging connection for the high-voltage battery located in the left front wing. The exhaust system on the new BMW X5 xDrive40e meanwhile, 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 with their blue background colour as well as the centre console.
Apart from that, the new BMW X5 xDrive40e feature M Sport Aerodynamic Package as a standard equipment. In distinction to the Adaptive LED headlights, the new BMW X5 xDrive40e also features LED fog lights. Its body is dressed with BMW Individual Exterior Line Aluminium satinised and is equipped with 19-inch M Double-spoke light alloy wheels with mixed tyres.
Powering the new BMW X5 xDrive40e is a drive system comprising of a two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor.
The four-cylinder petrol unit generates a maximum output of 245 hp and 350 Nm of peak torque, while the electric motor, delivers an output of 83 kW with a maximum torque of 250 Nm.
Together, the new BMW X5 xDrive40e completes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 6.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h and 450Nm of peak torque. In all-electric mode meanwhile, the new SAV is able to travel at a top speed of 120 km/h.
Power is transferred to all four wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic transmission. Regardless of the proportion of drive power being sourced from the engine and motor respectively, the xDrive all-wheel drive system ensures supreme traction in all weather and road surface conditions, together with optimised handling stability and increased agility when powering through corners. As it is linked up to Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), the xDrive system is furthermore capable of acting in advance to counter vehicle understeer or oversteer.
The vehicle set-up and powertrain control can be configured as desired with the Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button. The latter, located on the centre console allows the driver of the new BMW X5 xDrive40e to rotate between the default AUTO eDrive setting, MAX eDrive setting, or the SAVE Battery setting.
Additionally, the new BMW X5 xDrive40e also comes as standard with a Driving Experience Control switch which activates the vehicle set-up modes Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro. Each has an effect of altering the throttle mapping, the steering characteristics, the responses of the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, and the characteristics of Adaptive M suspension with it’s sport suspension setting, specifically tuned Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension equipped as standard on the new SAV.
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. This consequently allows for further comfort, sportiness and efficiency to be combined with high-intensity hybrid driving as desired.
The new BMW X5 xDrive40e 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.
A wealth of innovative BMW ConnectedDrive features furthermore helps to plan journeys in such a way that the new SAV drives on electric power alone as much as possible and at maximum efficiency at all times.
The Navigation System Professional with a 10.25-inch display monitor fitted in the new BMW X5 xDrive40e gives drivers the option of calculating a hybrid-specific ECO PRO route to an entered destination. The intelligent energy management function in the new BMW X5 xDrive40e utilises the available data on the route profile for all navigation-assisted journeys. This forms the basis for anticipatory and efficiency-optimised powertrain control that keeps fuel consumption as low as possible.
On longer journeys that go through urban and rural areas for example, Brake Energy Regeneration can be employed and the engine’s load points are deliberately raised at higher speeds to ensure there are sufficient power reserves for completing the urban sections in all-electric mode.
As a result, the BMW X5 xDrive40e fuel consumption rates at 3.3 litres per 100 kilometres with C02 emissions of just 77 grams per kilometre.
The high-voltage battery found in the new BMW X5 xDrive40e offers a gross energy capacity of 9.2 kWh and can be topped up with energy from any domestic power socket. When charged by a conventional domestic power socket, the high-voltage battery can be fully recharged from flat in around 3 hours 50 minutes.
Buyers who purchase the new BMW X5 xDrive40e will be offered with the ChargeNow service that comprise of a ChargeNow card that grants straightforward access to partner charging stations, ChargEV, offered through BMW Group Malaysia’s partnership with Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia). The ChargEV stations are already operational in 19 strategic locations throughout Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kedah, Melaka, and Johor.
The new BMW X5 xDrive40e is available in Glacier Silver, Mineral White, Space Grey and Carbon Black exterior colours with upholstery choices of Leather Dakota Terra or Leather Dakota Black.
The retail price (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Program and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme) is:
BMW X5 xDrive40e (RM 582,800.00)
Government Approved Hybrid Incentive Retail price without insurance (RM 388,800.00)
