Plug-in Hybrid Arrives for X5

Today, at the "BMW i Megacity Studio," a showroom for the "BMW i" brand that just opened in Toranomon on September 4th, BMW JapanX5's plug-in hybrid modelX5 xDrive 40ewas unveiled. With the addition of the X5 xDrive 40e, the X5 now offers a choice of three powertrains: gasoline, clean diesel, and plug-in hybrid.

The "X5 xDrive 40e" combines the intelligent 4WD system "xDrive System" with the plug-in hybrid technology featured in the "BMW i" brand'si8to achieve a balance of BMW's renowned driving dynamics and environmental performance.



BMW's plug-in hybrid "eDrive system" pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder twin-power turbo gasoline engine with a high-output electric motor integrated into an 8-speed automatic transmission. The system delivers a combined maximum output of 230 kW (313 ps) and a maximum torque of 450 Nm (45.9 kgm). In electric-only mode, it can travel up to approximately 31 km at speeds up to 120 km/h.

The gasoline engine is a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo with a twin-scroll turbocharger, Valvetronic, and Double VANOS, producing a maximum output of 180 kW (245 ps) at 5,000-6,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) at 1,250-4,800 rpm. The electric motor, integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission, delivers a maximum output of 83 kW (113 ps) at 3,170 rpm and generates an immediate 250 Nm of maximum torque from a standstill. With the motor's assistance, the vehicle achieves 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds (European specification).

Priced Similar to Clean Diesel Models

The high-voltage lithium-ion battery can be charged using the supplied standard charging cable from a household outlet or the "BMW i Wallbox Pure" (200V/15A), achieving a full charge in 3.5-4 hours. The battery's charge status, regenerative braking system, driving modes selected via "eDrive" and "Driving Dynamics Control," and energy flow are displayed on an indicator located below the instrument panel.

By utilizing the compact "i8" system and housing the high-voltage lithium-ion battery beneath the luggage compartment floor, the luggage capacity remains 500-1,720 liters. The 85-liter gasoline tank is also retained.



The vehicle is equipped with a communication module as standard, featuring "BMW ConnectedDrive Standard," which includes "BMW SOS Call" and "BMW Teleservices" for safety and vehicle monitoring, as well as the dedicated "BMW Remote App" for plug-in hybrids. The BMW Remote App allows users to search for nearby charging stations, check the vehicle's location, and monitor the battery's charge status via their smartphone.

Additional features include a dedicated suspension setup with Dynamic Damping Control for electronically controlled dampers, self-leveling rear suspension, and adaptive LED headlights for enhanced visibility, all as standard.

The X5 xDrive 40e is priced at 9.27 million yen, while the xLine and M Sport models are 9.93 million yen. Considering the additional equipment, the pricing is comparable to the clean diesel models. The vehicle is expected to qualify for eco-car tax reduction certifications and will be eligible for subsidies for the introduction of clean energy vehicles. Orders are open from today, with deliveries scheduled to begin in December.

It was also announced at the event that three more plug-in hybrid models – the 3 Series "330e," the 2 Series "225xe," and the 7 Series "740e" – are planned for release next year, indicating BMW's intention to offer plug-in hybrid options across all its segments in the future.

BMW X5 xDrive 40e | BMW X5 xDrive 40e
Body Dimensions | Length 4,910 × Width 1,940 × Height 1,760 mm
Wheelbase | 2,935 mm
Track Front/Rear | 1,645 / 1,650 mm
Weight | 2,370 kg
Engine | 1,997 cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC TwinPower Turbo
Compression Ratio | 10.0:1
Maximum Output | 180 kW (245 ps)
Maximum Torque | 350 Nm (35.7 kgm)
Motor Maximum Output | 83 kW (113 ps)
Motor Maximum Torque | 250 Nm (25.5 kgm)
System Maximum Output | 230 kW (313 ps)
System Maximum Torque | 450 Nm (45.9 kgm)
Transmission | 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain | FR
Minimum Ground Clearance | 210 mm
Tires Front/Rear | 255/55R18
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 6.8 seconds (European specification)
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 5.9 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 77-78 g/km
Trunk Capacity | 500 ℓ (with rear seats folded) 1,720 ℓ
Price | 9.27 million yen (xLine) 9.93 million yen (M Sport) 9.93 million yen