Here you can see the automatic transmission with multi-disc-clutch instead of torque converter (picture below) of the BMW X5 xDrive 40e. This, is the only component in the drive train which has basically been changed. It has been complemented with an electric motor. Because the X5 already has all-wheel drive, the electric part can also be applied here. So, instead of a combustion engine up front and an electric motor in the rear, there is permanent all-wheel drive with one- or both power sources.

Of the two types of fuel tank, one can even choose the larger and still have the high-volt battery integrated so shallow into the luggage compartment, that the bottom is level with the loading edge. The passengers in the car don't notice the plug-in hybrid at all, except for the fact that there are 150 litres less loading space. Looking at the car from the outside, apart from the name and the flap in the front mudguard, there is also nothing to be seen.

The engine compartment now holds a two-litres four-cylinder petrol engine, which in the past, could not yet be had in the X5. The '40' is the result of adding the combined system-performance of the combustion engine and the electric power source together. It then corresponds to the 230 kW of the other 40 models. As far as the weight of the combustion engine is concerned, one can only compare it with the four-cylinder Diesel, which makes it just under 250 kg heavier.

When looking at the higher price, one must consider, that the auxiliary heating and cooling is included and, that they can be activated by remote control before starting the trip. Also in the package, is the air-springing in the rear and both damper and suspension control. Indeed, because the X5 has been virtually unchanged, one still has the possibility of choosing from the list of optional extras.

Oh yes, we almost forgot to mention that you can drive for 30 km or at a speed of 120 km/h using only electricity, however, not the two together. Apart from this mode of operation, there is the charging situation of the battery and the automatic regulation. The system can be charged in three hours using the household electric outlets, but using the wall-box is quicker. 06/15