It’s a good day for anyone in the market for a new rough-riding BMW after the German marque revealed two impressive new SUVs: the X5 plug-in hybrid and a new range-topping X2.
We’ll start with the hybrid…
BMW X5 plug-in hybrid
Due to arrive in showrooms early 2019, the BMW X5 xDrive 45e iPerformance (to state its full name) combines a three-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine with a 82kW electric motor via an eight-speed Steptronic auto transmission to achieve a combined power output of 394bhp and peak torque of 600Nm.
This results in a combined fuel economy of 134mpg and CO2 emissions of 50g/km. On electric power alone, it can cover 50 miles and reach speeds of up to 85mph without touching a drop of petrol.
But is it fast?
Yep, for a car this size at least. The all-wheel-drive SUV can hit 62mph from a standstill in 5.6 seconds, which is more than a second quicker than the old X5 hybrid. It’ll go on to a top speed of 146mph too, which is again better than its predecessor.
Other technical points of note are the air suspension and electronically-controlled dampers fitted as standard, while uprated suspension and integral active steering can be added for extra – the latter of which allows the rear wheels to turn by a few degrees for extra agility at low speeds and increased stability at higher speeds.
So what about this new range-topping X2.
BMW X2 M35i
Well, the BMW X2 M35i will be the first M branded car to come with four cylinders when it goes on sale in March 2019. It uses a turbocharged two-litre four-pot petrol, developing 302bhp and 450Nm of torque, via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
With launch control engaged, it can polish off a 0-62mph sprint a smidge under five seconds (4.9s). A top speed hasn’t revealed yet, but it shouldn’t have any trouble hitting BMW’s standard 155mph speed limiter.
Other key points include a sharpened chassis and suspension, as well as a tweaked steering system to lend the X2 a sportier feel.
Fuel economy is rarely a concern for an M car but just so you know, it returns 33.6mpg at 191g/km CO2.
Prices for both BMWs will be confirmed closer to their arrival, but if money was no object, which would you have sitting on your driveway? Let us know down in the comments…
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