BMW Concept X5 eDrive hybrid set for Frankfurt motor show

BMW is on a roll when it comes to electric-car technology, and the German automaker will be showing a new X5, dubbed the BMW Concept X5 eDrive, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in just a few weeks. The concept uses a four-cylinder gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology coupled with a 95-hp electric motor. This hybrid powerplant is coupled with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system.

BMW says that this gas electric hybrid is able to travel up to 19 miles solely on electric power, reaching speeds of up to 75 mph. The high-voltage battery is hidden in a crash-safe position just under the load area in the back of the SUV. The concept offers a choice of three driving modes: an intelligent hybrid drive option for a balance between sportiness and efficiency, a pure-electric mode, or an economy "Save Battery" mode which will maintain the current battery charge level.

BMW
The concept SUV can travel on an electric motor for up to 19 miles.

BMW says that the BMW Concept X5 eDrive is able to achieve fuel efficiency of 74.3 miles per imperial gallon or 89.2 miles per U.S. gallon in the EU cycle. And even though this is still very much a concept vehicle, we wouldn't be too surprised if a production version is revealed a few months down the road.

By Jay Ramey