The new BMW X5 xDrive40e – The perfect car for South Africans?

Admit it, us South Africans are a weird bunch.

Now, before you lynch me, hear me out.

Estates (or station wagons if you like) have never been big sellers here in the good ol' RS of A. We prefer our large SUVs to something that is more the size of a regular sedan with a little more load area. Strange that, as the estate market in Europe is a massive one with nearly all manufacturers offering some derivative of their compact and mid-size saloons in an estate trim.

I could lament the reasons why for days on end, but the short of it is that we prefer the raised seating position and the more rugged approach to motoring – I will blame the latter on the general state of the South African roads.

The flip side of the coin is that we're a fairly conscientious bunch. We are more in tune with nature than a lot of the world; this I blame on our breathtaking landscape and geographical diversity. We're an outdoorsy bunch at best and have wonderful weather. This means we care about our surroundings... for the most part.

Then there's the flip side of the coin: most of us watch what we spend quite closely. Frivolous spending isn't our thing, so wasting fuel is a big no-no. I cannot count how many times I've heard someone complain about how their car is failing to meet the manufacturer claims with regards to fuel consumption. We don't like burning money, we hate wasting fuel.

It's almost a complete dichotomy. On one hand we love big cars, on the other, we don't like thirsty cars. The two seem to never go hand-in-hand.

And that's why I think that the new BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid is the perfect car for South Africans. In the past, I've questioned some of the models introduced into the local market. That is not the case here.

Styling

On the outside, it's still the BMW X5 that is so popular – not much has changed on the exterior. The shape remains unchanged and only a few small styling changes will alert the eagle-eyed aficionado to the fact that it is a hybrid – unless of course they spot the eDrive badging on the rear.

The same bodes for the interior. It's still the familiar design and layout with the same high levels of trim that one has come to expect from the German brand. It's a well appointed cabin, even if it is shy of a few of the conveniences that one would ordinarily find in a vehicle in this price range, such as Active Lane Keep Assist or Rear Cross Traffic Alert. It's also a design that has aged well and doesn't feel dated yet: the sign of a great initial design.

However, the new xDrive40e is not about the X5 design and aesthetics, it's about the powertrain.

Engine

Employing a system similar to that of the BMW i8, the xDrive40e benefits from two motors; one 2-litre petrol, 4-cylinder TwinPower turbo up front, and an electric motor located in the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. Combined, they offer a power output of 230kW(e) and 450Nm.

A bank of Lithium-Ion batteries rests underneath the luggage compartment and are well guarded in the event of an accident. They do take up a small amount of the regular luggage area with the xDrive40e having a total of 500 litres (1720 litres) as opposed to the regular amount of 650 litres (1870 litres). A small price to pay for the added benefit and fuel savings.

The weight also increases somewhat with the xDrive40e hybrid tipping the scales at 2230kg (unladen DIN), a mere 120kg heavier than the xDrive40d's 2110kg. This translates into a 0 - 100km/h sprint of 6.8 seconds with the top speed limited to 210km/h. BMW quotes consumption figures of 3.3 - 3.4 litres/100km but naturally this requires and understanding of the hybrid system and consideration when selecting the three drive modes.

Drive modes? Yes, because just like the BMW i8, the xDrive40e has three to choose from, depending on current battery charge and driving situation.

• MAX eDrive limits the power output and speed of the vehicle but only uses the electric motor for propulsion. This silent mode is a true zero emission mode and the most frugal of the lot. Yes, we're talking 0 litres/100km
• AUTO eDrive lets the car decide what is the best combination to use for maximum efficiency. This is the most practical and allows regenerative charging of the batteries. It will however switch between the electric motor and the petrol engine, depending on throttle position and speed.
• SAVE Battery is a full, petrol-only mode. Here it won't be uncommon to see regular consumption figures of around 8.2 litres/100km. This mode, however, will simultaneously propel the vehicle and charge the batteries.

These modes are easily selected via a button on the centre console.

But what about range? I hear you ask

On a full charge, you will get 31km of electric-only driving. It doesn't sound like much, but how far do you really drive every day? Plus, if you have fuel in the tank, you don't need to worry about charging the X5 every night – your charger is a button away (remember the SAVE Battery mode?). Run low on charge and you simply select SAVE Battery and charge it up. Really simple.

And what about charging it?

Yes, you can charge it like a full electric vehicle, and there are a few options here. The first is a selection of wall-mounted chargers for your home. Charging times (to 80% charge) vary from just under 4 hours, to a little over 2 hours, depending on your house's electrical capabilities and the BMW i Wallbox you select. The 220V outlet charger cable takes considerably longer though.

BMW is trying very hard to predict the future here, and as such are continuously rolling out more and more charging stations at various shopping centres around South Africa. Currently, charging at one of these outlets is free (with support for Nissan Leaf). Charges here can be as brief as 25 minutes.

Their new initiative, BMW 360-degrees Electric is also introducing solar powered car ports that will be available for iPerformance vehicles and also for domestic acquisition and installation.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e takes the technology and experience gained from the i8 and packages it into something a little more practical. Something that appeals to the average Joe. It has a wealth of advantages and very few disadvantages. This is the future, and it's here now.

Prices

BMW X5 xDrive40e Standard	R 1 097 500
BMW X5 xDrive40e Pure Excellence	R 1 108 800
BMW X5 xDrive40e Pure Experience	R 1 115 000
BMW X5 xDrive40e M Sport	R 1 146 300

             
Prices include 14% VAT.

All BMW X5 xDrive40e models are exempt from CO2 tax.