BMW to show off Concept X5 e-Drive plug-in hybrid at Frankfurt

BMW have shed the details of their latest offering to the ‘green car’ industry, the X5 e-Drive. And yes, it is another plug-in concept model, only this time, it is based on the upcoming X5, and is expected to be unveiled in a few weeks at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

This plug-in Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) packs in a gutsy little 95 hp electric motor alongside a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The BMW also has a clever ‘eDrive’ system that supposedly allows the X5 to reach speeds of 120 kph and a range of 30 km on electric power alone.

BMW also claims a staggering fuel consumption rate of about 3.8 l/100 kms. Furthermore, they say that the SUV can accelerate from 0-100 kph in under 7 seconds.

There are three modes that are intended for the vehicle. The first one operates the system automatically, followed by an all-electric mode and finally a ‘Save Battery’ mode to preserve the battery’s current state of charge.

And even though what we’re looking at here is a full-on concept, in terms of design it completely resembles the third-generation X5, which is set to be released next year. But some minor cosmetic changes include the plug port on the left front fender for charging. There are also some blue accents on the kidney grills, the air intake bars and in the rear bumper inlay. Of-course, there’s also the lightweight, aero-tuned 21-inch alloy wheels.

We have no details on the release of the production variant of this PHEV. But we could expect to see this make it to the US, and European markets in a couple of years.