BMW rolls out new low emitting X5 4x4

BMW has revealed its first ever plug-in hybrid with the new X5 xDrive40e.

This car combines both a conventional combustion engine and electric motor with batteries to both improve fuel efficiency and provide a decent driving range.

The conventional petrol engine combines with the electric motor to produce a total power output of nearly 310bhp, emissions of just 77g/km of CO2 and a claimed fuel consumption average of 85.6mpg.

Low BIK tax band for company car drivers

For company car drivers that places the BMW X5 PHEV into the 13 per cent BIK band for the tax year 2015/2016.

Currently the most efficient X5 version is the sDrive25d SE that emits 149g/km of CO2 and a claimed average of 50mpg, so based on those figures the PHEV version is the most fuel efficient version of the X5 range.

Features plug-in tech and electric drive only mode

For those company car drivers that do a lot of urban driving, the good news is that the X5 PHEV has an electric only mode.

The MAX eDrive mode enables the X5 PHEV to manage up to 19 miles in town traffic on electric power alone and the batteries can be recharged either from household mains or via a fast-charge box.

Top speed in electric mode is 75mph though the faster you go, the quicker the charge will be used up and the less distance it will travel.

In standard driving mode (AUTO eDrive), the car uses electric power for low speed driving and the conventional engine kicks in at around 44mph or when quick acceleration is required.

Four-wheel drive and decent boot size

The X5 has four-wheel drive even in electric mode only so the driver gains the benefit of improved traction in slippery conditions regardless of drive mode selected.

The car uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox that can also be specified with paddles mounted behind the steering wheel to manually change gear.

While the batteries do have an effect on boot space, BMW claims it is minimal with up to 500-litres with the seats up and lowering the rear seats grows the space to 1,720-litres.

Standard fit equipment

The X5 xDrive40e features as standard self-levelling air rear suspension, 2-zone Climate control, Xenon headlights, automatic tailgate, leather interior and heated front seats.

Drivers also get the benefit of the Professional package that includes full sat nav system, DAB radio and BMW’s ConnectedDrive services, which includes eDrive Service that provides details on charging stations.

There is also a whole host of BMW extras to choose from including Head-up Display, Night Vision and Collision warning with braking function.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e goes on sale in Autumn 2015 but prices have yet to be announced. In the meantime check out Parkers full BMW X5 review here.