2017 BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance
MSRP $66,670.00
“BMW’s X5 xDrive40e adds the fun of electric torque and EV driving efficiency to the already stellar X5 SUV.”
Avg
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Quiet ride quality
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Superior design inside and out
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Fantastic seats
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Efficiency without sacrifice
Against
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Limited cargo capacity for its size
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High base price
Efficient driving is no longer the painful task it once was. While there are still bumps in the road to higher mpg numbers (I’m looking at you, full-size pickup trucks), most passenger cars have crawled up to respectable EPA estimates.
Those who want something better than internal combustion have many options. Diesel engines and gas-electric hybrids offer similar fuel economy without requiring their owners to make lifestyle changes. Purely electric vehicles, on the other hand, do not yet have a range that would adapt to all driving modes. This makes plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) perfect for those who want the benefits of an EV without the major drawbacks.
Although plug-in hybrid technology has been part of the automotive industry for years, it has only recently crossed over to the mass market and merged with luxury vehicles. Premium brands are now busily equipping their best-selling models with plug-in technology, and that means SUVs are the first to go under the knife. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche now offer mid-size SUV models with a short, all-electric range.
To experience the difference in fuel efficiency and performance, we decided to take a look at BMW’s entry, the 2017 X5 xDrive40e. Just before the Northeast is about to drop into sub-freezing temperatures, we prepared to travel between New York and Boston.
Uptown funk
Our journey begins among Manhattan’s skyscrapers and crowds – the perfect setting to test the electric torque of the xDrive40e between red lights.
Although its name sounds more like a strong password than a nameplate, the plug-in X5’s badge means something. All BMWs equipped with all-wheel drive carry the xDrive designation, while rear-wheel drive X5s use the sDrive designation. The ’40’ doesn’t really equate to any performance attributes, as far as we can tell, except that the PHEV X5 sits between the 35i and 50i versions in terms of price and power. Finally, the ‘e’ stands for eDrive, which BMW associates with every iPerformance (plug-in) model.
Silently chasing us through the streets and avenues of New York is a 111-horsepower electric motor, powered by a 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery and connected to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Combined output is 308 hp and 332 pound-feet of torque, which is routed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to the X5’s standard chassis modes, which include Comfort, Eco Pro and Sport, the xDrive40e has special eDrive modes to adjust dependence on the electric motor. Although we start with Auto eDrive, which allows the computer to find the most efficient balance between the gas and electric motors, we quickly become addicted to the pure electric power of Max eDrive. Instant torque is a velvety-smooth run that’s best enjoyed from a standstill, and it feels even more impressive when you factor in the plug-in X5’s 5,200-pound curb weight.
As we exit the Lincoln Tunnel, however, our electrical shenanigans have caught up with us. The 14-mile range of the pure EV model xDrive40e is almost unused. With no time to charge (7 hours on 110V and 2.5 hours on 220V), we opted for the SUV’s gas generator, switching the eDrive to “Save” and the chassis mode to Sport. Performance driving mode may sound counter-intuitive, but Sport actually means more aggressive energy recovery in this case. Think of it as the enthusiast’s approach to charging: fast.
Eco cruise
When we hit the open road, we find that the mild energy return in Comfort mode and less regenerative braking work well with the intelligent handling of the Auto eDrive powertrain. As you’ve probably gathered by now, it takes some effort to optimize the xDrive40e’s driving experience, but as we’re discovering, even effortless travel is effective.
When it reaches steady speed, the plug-in X5 acts like a standard model. Its plush seats, attractive cabin and serene ride translate equally well with the e-motor in the vehicle. Along our route, the road narrows and twists, giving us a chance to gauge the SUV’s steering response and chassis control. As expected, feel through the X5’s steering wheel is reduced, but inputs find their way to the front wheels extremely quickly. Powerful machine that it is, the xDrive40e feels nimble through medium-to-large corners, but we expect its big body to roll to more uncomfortable levels in sharp turns. Biggest among our praises for the plug-in X5’s driving experience is the transition between gas and electric powertrains. At times when traffic slows down to the point where the electric motor kicks in, the handover is barely noticeable.
It takes some effort to optimize the xDrive40e’s driving experience, but as we discover, even effortless travel is efficient.
Our tester has an extensive list of extras, including Mocha Nappa leather ($1,950), which contrasts brilliantly with the X5’s Alpine White exterior, ventilated front seats ($1,350), 4-zone climate control ($2,550), striking black gloss 20 inch alloy wheels ($1,100), Harmon Kardon sound system ($875), heated rear seats ($550) and a surround view camera ($750). Notably missing from this feature set is BMW’s available Driver Assistance Plus package ($1,700), which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, a head-up display, pedestrian detection and collision mitigation. With a four-hour drive ahead of us, we especially miss these intelligent safety technologies and wonder why some of them aren’t standard on the $60k price tag.
Strip away all the optional bits and the X5 still feels premium. Its standard 10.2-inch infotainment screen is crystal clear, and paired with the iDrive controller, navigating to every major function is a breeze. Passenger volume is great, with plenty of room for rear seat passengers to stretch their legs and generous headroom for everyone. The trunk, on the other hand, is modest due to the battery stored under the shelf. Folding the rear seats down, however, allows for up to 73 cubic feet of trunk space—more than enough for a trip to Ikea.
Number crunching
Until we explore every feature, push every button, and try every XM radio station, Boston is upon us. We drive to the nearest charging station, go to a cafe and crunch the numbers from our trip.
EPA estimates for the 2017 BMW X5 xDrive40e are 23 city, 25 highway, 24 combined and 56 MPGe. Our real-world test returned 27 mpg after 290 miles of mostly highway driving (and no recharging). In other words, we only used 30 percent of the X5’s 22-gallon fuel tank. You can officially mark us impressed.
Our download
The xDrive40e may seem like a gap filler to some, with limited all-electric range and only slightly higher mpg on paper. However, as we’ve learned, BMW engineers have optimized the interplay between the gas and electric powertrains to give the midsize SUV the real-world fuel economy of a much lighter, much smaller vehicle. Until battery technology renders PHEVs useless, there is no more efficient option that ignores range limitations.
The price of the BMW eDrive X5 may seem steep at $63,095 (including destination), but factor in the $4,585 federal tax credit (and any available government incentives), and it becomes a much more attractive proposition. The quiet joy of instant electric torque alone is worth the small jump in price.
What are the alternatives?
BMW’s X5 xDrive40e has two main rivals. Mercedes-Benz’s GLE550e has 436 hp, 12 miles of pure EV driving, and 21 miles per gallon combined. Porsche’s Cayenne SE Hybrid has similar performance: 416 hp, 14 miles in all-electric driving, and 22 mpg combined. Both vehicles, however, cost more than the BMW ($66,300 for the Mercedes and $78,700 for the Porsche), and neither can match the X5’s combined or MPGe estimates.
How long will it last?
BMW’s plug-in X5 debuted for the 2016 model year, and barring dramatic improvements in battery technology, the xDrive40e is expected to remain in its current form for several more years. The next update is likely to greatly improve the X5’s all-electric range.
Should you buy it?
Among its competitors, the plug-in X5 produces the least energy, but is the most efficient and affordable. Unless you absolutely need 400 horsepower to get the job done, there’s no reason not to choose the xDrive40e. The plug-in X5’s biggest competition may actually come from within its own ranks. BMW’s X5 35d (diesel) offers better fuel economy, more torque and is slightly cheaper (before PHEV tax credits). Still, we’d choose the xDrive40e for its gas-free driving ability and electric torque.
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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn