BMW plugs in with 2016 X5 xDrive40e SUV

2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e

Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button allow the vehicle set-up and powertrain control to be configured as desired

The eDrive button on the centre console lets the driver modify the powertrain control. When the vehicle is first started, the default AUTO eDrive setting is activated, with both engine and electric motor working highly efficiently in tandem. The electric motor alone is used for setting off with normal power requirements, while the engine cuts in at around 70 km/h (44 mph) or when the driver wishes to accelerate very sharply. In this mode, the intelligent operating strategy determines the most efficient drive combination at all times and switches to it automatically. The driver can also switch to the all-electric drive mode setting MAX eDrive, in which the vehicle is powered solely by the electric motor. This mode is designed for comfortable driving with zero local emissions without the engine being started, and offers a maximum range of 31 kilometres (approx. 19 miles) at a limited top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).

The third mode that can be activated is the SAVE Battery setting, which allows the driver to save or build up the high-voltage battery's energy reserves for a later point in time. When driving on the motorway, for instance, the state of charge can be kept constant or even boosted in order to use the highvoltage battery's power for all-electric driving in urban areas later in the journey. In this way, the stored electrical energy can be selectively deployed exactly when required.

2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e

The BMW X5 xDrive40e also comes as standard with a Driving Experience Control switch, just like the conventionally powered model variants of the sports activity vehicle. This can be used to activate the vehicle set-up modes COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO, which each have the effect of altering the throttle mapping, the steering characteristics, the responses of the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, as well as the characteristics of the Dynamic Damper Control included as standard on the BMW X5 xDrive40e. The ECO PRO mode furthermore triggers efficiency-optimised control of electrically powered comfort functions, such as the air conditioning, seat heating and heated mirrors. Besides this, when travelling on the overrun at speeds between 0 and 160 km/h (0 - 100 mph), the coasting function shuts off the engine, allowing the vehicle to glide along without burning any fuel.

The modes selectable with the eDrive button and the Driving Experience Control switch can be combined with one another at will, allowing the powertrain control and vehicle set-up to be tailored precisely to the prevailing situation and the driver's personal preferences. In this way, comfort, sportiness and efficiency can each be combined with high-intensity hybrid driving as desired.