BMW Concept5 X5 eDrive revealed. It’s a plug-in Hybrid X5

The BMW Concept X5 eDrive has been revealed ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show as a plug-in hybrid SUV offering 74.3mpg.

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The arrival of the BMW Concept X5 eDrive ahead of its debut at Frankfurt next month doesn’t preview and immediate addition to the X5 range of a plug-in hybrid, but it does show what will be on offer in a year or two.

Just like yesterday’s Mercedes S500 plug-in hybrid, the X5 eDrive is another example of how car makers have developed their way round CO2 taxation levels by throwing electric motors at ICE engines to create a car that offers impressive emissions and economy on official tests.

In the case of the X5 eDrive that means a four-cylinder twin power ICE engine (BMW aren’t saying, but we’re assuming its a petrol engine), a 94bhp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery under the boot all working together to produce an X5 that is capable (at least in official tests, which is all that matters) of 74.3mpg and emissions under 90g/km.

The X5 eDrive is also capable of running in EV mode for up to 19 miles – perfect for running around town in traffic – and is sprightly enough with a quoted 0-62mph in under 7 seconds.

The X5 eDrive will be on show in Frankfurt next month – exactly a year after BMW’s first plug-in hybrid, the BMW Concept Active Tourer, was shown and clearly demonstrates that BMW are managing to work their way round CO2 taxation very cleverly.