Scoop: BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid Goes from Concept to Reality

You're looking at a rolling prototype of the BMW Concept X5 eDrive plug-in-hybrid that the Bavarian automaker first showed at the Frankfurt motor show this past September.

At the time, BMW officials would not say if the car was destined for production, but inside sources had hinted that it could go on sale within the next two years with the same powertrain to be used on other models as well, including the 5-Series.

This prototype lacks the concept's specially designed aerodynamic kit and alloy wheels, but does include the plug-in adaptor door on the front fender.

In concept form, BMW had revealed that the X5 eDrive featured an unspecified 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine paired to a 94hp (95PS) electric motor, backed up by a lithium-ion battery mounted under the boot floor that offered a pure electric drive range of 30 kilometers (19 miles) at speeds of up to 120 km/h (75mph).

According to the manufacturer, the X5 eDrive returns an estimated combined fuel consumption of 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers (74.3 mpg UK / 61.9 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 90 g/km, while completing the standard sprint to 100km/h (62mph) in less than 7 seconds.

Again, these are all preliminary numbers for the concept and will likely change when the car enters production.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

PHOTO GALLERY

This 2004 BMW X5 4.4i Sport with 2,500 Miles is Priced at $110,000 Because…

There's no question from these photos that the 2004 BMW E53 X5 4.4i Sport seen here looks almost just like it left the factory about the same time Snoop Dogg's "Drop It Like It's Hot" was hitting the airwaves – and with only 2,500 miles (a little over 4,000 km) on the odo, why shouldn't it look like new.

While any other similar low-mileage example could fetch anywhere from low $20s to mid $30s, this one has an asking price of…$110,000 on eBay! So, what gives?

The insanely expensive price tag has to do with the fact that it's an armored model. While we're in no way experts on the matter, we did find this quote from an unrelated car-armoring company from Texas that says "costs vary from $55,000 all the way up to $500,000 and beyond", so it all has to do with the quality of work and the level of security offered.

The ebay seller of the BMW states:

"This vehicle has been armored to CEN B5 and has less than 2,500 miles on the odometer.  The low miles were accumulated before the armoring process began, and the vehicle has had no miles put on it after the armoring process was completed.

It was briefly used to transport VIP’s and is in mint condition. The vehicle has the latest in armoring design and the bullet catchers are covered in leather to match the interior. The vehicle maintains a discrete appearance due to the armoring design and is the perfect armored vehicle for families or for VIP transport.

Upgrades include upgraded suspension, upgraded brakes, door overlaps, bullet catchers as well as ballistic glass. The vehicle has 360 degree armoring and comes with run-flat tires on all four wheels as well as the spare tire."

PHOTO GALLERY