BMW released the first specs and photos of its BMW X5 Vision EfficientDynamics set to make its world debut at the Geneva motor show in March. The Vision EfficientDynamics showcases the future of BMW's performance that combines new emissions-lowering technologies that include a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, and even roof-mounted solar panels.
BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics is a smaller engine by size than that of the X5 currently in production but puts out nearly the same horsepower while decreasing the amount of emissions it produces. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with BMW's Mild ActiveHybrid technology is promised to deliver 43.5 mpg with just 17 2g/km of CO2 emissions for one full cycle while turning out 204 horsepower and 295 ft.lbs of torque with the help of the Variable Twin Turbo concept, third-generation common-rail injection, and an all-aluminum crankcase. This twin-turbocharged two-liter diesel engine is said to deliver more than 100 horsepower per liter and can reach zero to 62 mph in just 8.9 seconds. The engine was mated with an all new eight-speed automatic transmission developed jointly between BMW and ZF that assures faster and efficient gear changes keeping the vehicle in the right ratio for the any driving condition.
Under acceleration, the mild hybrid concept can produce 20 horsepower and 162 ft.lbs more torque. The mild hybrid concept uses a compact generator mounted directly onto the gearbox producing up to 20 horsepower of on-demand power. BMW also uses Brake Energy Regeneration to collect unused energy from the engine, and the alternator is integrated into the crankcase rather than conventionally driven from the front of the engine. The energy is then stored at the rear of the cargo area in high-storage-capacity lithium-ion batteries that also help power the air-conditioning, electric coolant pump, and electric power steering system when needed. BMW added a 120-volt vehicle power system that runs along side the conventional 12-volt system to power these amenities.
BMW has outfitted the vehicle with 1.0-meter-square roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels to generate energy that can either be used immediately or stored for later. The power created can be used to preheat the diesel fuel that shortens the less-efficient warm-up phase.
In addition, BMW updated the chassis and ride height of the X5 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics with redesigned aerodynamically efficient 19-inch light alloy wheels with reduced ventilation at 100 mph.