BMW unveiled at the recent Geneva Motor Show for the first time a compact SUV vehicle combining a four-cylinder diesel engine with hybrid technology. ( dpa )
BMW said the X5 concept demonstrated the potential of linking its "efficient dynamics" fuel-saving technology with a hybrid.
A result from work with its hybrid cooperation partners, General Motors and Daimler, the BMW ActiveHybrid combines two compact electric motors connected to one another by three planetary gear sets, a fixed-transmission ratio gearbox and a high-performance lithium-ion battery.
The result is a reduction in fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent compared with a comparable BMW running on a combustion engine alone, the car maker said. The X5 ActiveHybrid has an average fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres with a carbon dioxide emission figure of 172 g/km.
At the same time performance remains high at 150 kW/204 hp with acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The ActiveHybrid can be driven on electric power only, on the combustion engine alone, or with a combination of both power units. Depending on driving conditions, the electric motors can also be used for both accelerating and regenerative braking.
The concept vehicle also features a roof with one square metre of solar panels that supplies energy independently of the engine. It provides energy for pre-heating the transmission oil - reducing starting time - as well as for ventilation, the cool box and for audio equipment.
Special rims with aerodynamic design reduce air resistance, requiring one kilowatt less power at a speed of 160 km/h.