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BMW plugs in new X5 xDrive40e PHEV crossover

BMW broke with its own convention when it rolled out the original X5 back in 1999, and did it again when it launched the i3 and i8 plug-in hybrids in 2013. Now it's bringing the two together with the reveal of the new X5 xDrive40e. Based on the third-generation F15 model and previewed by the X5 eDrive concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the X5 xDrive40e is the first PHEV from the core BMW brand. Its hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.0-liter turbo four (itself good for 245 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque) to an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission (contributing another 113 hp and 184 lb-ft) for a total combined output of 313 hp and 332 lb-ft. That makes it more powerful by both counts than the six-cylinder X5 xDrive35i (though considerably less so than the V8-powered xDrive50i), giving it a quoted 0-62 time of 6.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. But it can travel up to 19 miles on electric power alone, at which top speed is limited to 75 mph. BMW has mounted the 9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack underneath the luggage floor, limiting cargo capacity to between 17.65 and 60.7 cubic feet, depending on how you set up the rear seats. An adaptive suspension keeps it all on an even keel, with power transmitted to all four wheels through a permanent all-wheel-drive system. An M model it is not, but the Bavarian automaker will offer it with an M Sport package. Full details on pricing and availability have yet to be announced, but the X5 xDrive40e is set to hit European dealers in the fall. The BMW X5 xDrive40e The first plug-in hybrid production car from the BMW core brand is a Sports Activity Vehicle. Permanent all-wheel drive and the BMW EfficientDynamics eDrive technology endow the BMW X5 xDrive40e with sensational sportiness and supreme poise on the one hand and outstanding efficiency on the other. With a total system output of 230 kW/313 hp generated by a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor, the BMW X5 xDrive40e achieves a combined fuel consumption of 3.4 – 3.3 litres per 100 kilometres (83.1 – 85.6 mpg imp) and a combined electricity consumption of 15.4 – 15.3 kWh over the same distance. CO2 emissions come in at 78 – 77 grams per kilometre (figures according to EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, may vary depending on the tyre format specified).

HyFive hydrogen infrastructure gets $51M boost across Europe

"High five!" was one of the catch-phrases of Sacha Baron Cohen's Kazakh comedic alter ego Borat. A real-world HyFive is being announced by a power broker named Boris. And this is serious business. London Mayor Boris Johnson has announced a program called HyFive, which will see automakers and other entities invest 31 million British pounds ($51 million US) in a demonstration project for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. By next year, London will have three hydrogen refueling stations, while there will be one each in the Danish cities of Aarhus and Odense and one in Innsbruck, Austria. Leaders of the program are planning for other stations in Sweden, Germany and Italy. The five participating automakers are BMW, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota, while other companies involved include Copenhagen Hydrogen Network, ITM Power and Linde. Those OEMs will make 110 fuel-cell vehicles available for deployment in Bolzano, Copenhagen, Innsbruck, London, Munich and Stuttgart. The program represents an effort to address the "chicken or egg?" challenge inherent to establishing a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle market. While the powertrain technology provides benefits by combining fossil-fuel-like refueling times with long driving ranges and zero emissions, establishing a refueling network and building fuel-cell vehicles is prohibitively expensive, especially in low volumes. The London mayor is no stranger to green transportation technology. Late last year, Johnson made himself available for a photo opportunity with Ecotive and Frazer-Nash, which had developed a six-passenger extended-range plug-in taxicab. The mayor got a test drive in the cabs this week. You can check out the HyFive press release below. Global leaders sign up to GBP31m plan to demonstrate viability of hydrogen vehicles International project HyFive pioneers hydrogen fuel cell technology A pioneering GBP31 million deal will be struck today (3 April) to make hydrogen vehicles a viable and environmentally friendly choice for motorists across Europe. Leading motor manufacturers, hydrogen fuel suppliers, the Mayor of London's Office and energy consultancies from around the globe are signing up to the HyFive project, the largest of its kind in Europe, at City Hall in London today.

Take a look at the shocking Rolls-Royce Next 100 concept

Rolls-Royce showed off its Vision Next 100 concept today in London, giving a look at what its vehicles might look like a century years from now. Each BMW brand will show its own concept this year; BMW's Vision Next 100 concept was an interesting mix of textile-like patterns with stretchy fenders and a very 2010s four-door coupe shape, but this Rolls-Royce concept looks more like a luxury version of a World Solar Challenge racer. The car's official title is 103EX, following the convention of recent Roller concepts. Whereas its BMW counterpart was perhaps a safe, predictable vision of the future, the Rolls is a striking vehicle and a big departure for the brand. Whether it works as a whole for you or not, it represents the kind of stylistic provocation that made ex-BMW stylist Chris Bangle a household name. While the early Bangle cars were extremely controversial, this Rolls concept is clearly the heir of his penchant for sharply creased character lines. Call the rocker panel crease flame surfacing if you want. The floating headlamps and blade-edged verticality of the fenders are classic Rolls: imposing and visually heavy, without necessarily being classically beautiful. The square, flat grille is, to my eyes, much less successfully integrated. It seems like Rolls had the perfect opportunity to evolve the trademark grille into something more contemporary. In 100 years, the brand will still need to lean on this sort of anachronism? That seems short-sighted. We'll have more on this concept from our man on the ground in London later today. Featured Gallery Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 Concept View 27 Photos Design/Style BMW Rolls-Royce Coupe Autonomous Vehicles Concept Cars Future Vehicles Luxury