With the auto industry increasingly going the ‘green’ way to make more green, it is almost inevitable that hybrid cars are here to stay and take over our roads. While hybrid cars are not the ultimate green solution in terms of both efficiency and environmental standards, they are the most viable option in short term future. In the longer run, it will be surely fuel cell driven cars that will take over and provide us with that completely clean exhaust hat we are so craving for. For now BMW is about to launch X5 2.0-liter Twin Turbo Diesel Hybrid Concept at the Geneva Show and here is the first objective look at it just for you. The car that BMW hopes will make plenty of ripples later this year offers an insight into BMW’s “Efficient Dynamics technologies” that are set to find their way into production models in the near future.
The X5 Concept combines BMW’s all-new, twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine with a compact generator that is flange mounted directly onto a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.0-liter diesel engine delivers 204hp and 400Nm of torque between 2,000 and 2,250rpm while the mild hybrid concept generates a further 20hp and 210Nm of torque under acceleration. It can go from zero to 62mph in just 8.9 sec and boasts of an average fuel consumption of 36.5 MPG (US) or 6.5-liters per 100 km and just 172g/km of CO2 emissions.
The CO2 emissions surely measure up to the green standards that are a norm for today’s vehicles and go way beyond just that. It also features a Brake Energy Regeneration system which utilizes highly efficient lithium-ion batteries in the boot area to store the power generated which can be used to power the air conditioning, electric coolant pump and the electric power steering system. So basically all these systems will run on zero-emissions system. Add to this the fact that X5 is fitted with roof mounted photovoltaic solar panels, measuring 1.0 square meter. This makes the car all the more eco friendly. It seems BMW has done all it can to make sure the X5 is ready to take over the “Green Car Market”.
