BMW has just launched a plug-in hybrid versions of the X5 SAV from just RM388,000. It will join a new iPerformance range of electrified fuel-saving, emissions-reducing models coming to all 22 Malaysian BMW showrooms.
The iPerformance cars will take technologies developed for the BMW i electric car range and introduce them into mainstream models, just as the company’s M Performance models employ the design and engineering expertise of BMW M.
Three of the BMW iPerformance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, BMW 330e saloon and BMW X5 xDrive40e will be joined by the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive saloons in due course.
Externally, iPerformance cars are identifiable by eDrive badges on the C-pillars, the charging point flap on the nearside front wing and, in some cases, i badges on the front wings. This consists of blue slats on the BMW kidney grille and blue alloy wheel hubs. Internally, iPerformance models have eDrive menus in the black panel display and, in most cases, eDrive designation on the door sills.
All iPerformance models benefit from the advanced electronic motors, high-performance lithium-ion batteries and intelligent energy management systems developed by BMW for the all-electric i3 and plug-in hybrid i8.
In the BMW 740e and BMW 740Le xDrive the combination of a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and a synchronised electric motor produces a combined 322 bhp. They are capable of covering up to 29 miles on electric power alone which is sufficient for the majority of urban commutes while CO2 emissions are between 49 and 56g/km and fuel consumption is from 134.5 to 113mpg.
