BMW introduces the X5 Formula E Rescue Vehicle

BMW will still be the Official Vehicle Partner (OVP) of the 2015/2016 FIA Formula E Championship. Aside from the return of the i3 medical and i8 pace cars, BMW has also introduced the X5 xDrive40e Rescue Vehicle for the 2015/2016 FIA Formula E.

From the outside, it still looks like the current F15 X5 but now sports several exterior add-ons for its rescue duties. It has strobe lights, a roof-mounted LED light bar and wireless communication. Topping it all off is a set of two-tone alloy wheels and Formula E Rescue Car livery and badging.

Under the hood, the xDriv40e is driven by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that is helped by an electric motor and a 9kWh lithium-ion battery pack. With it, the Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) has a combined output of 313 PS along with a torque rating of 450 Nm. It can go from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds before hitting a top speed of 210 km/h.

“BMW i and Formula E make a great match. The world governing body of motor sport, the FIA, is branching out in a new and extremely interesting direction with the FIA Formula E Championship – and we have been on board from the outset. The series got off to a highly successful start in its first year on the calendar, with its all-electric formula racing cars, tight street circuits running through the heart of major world cities and innovative ideas engaging fans via social networks,” said Jörg Reimann, Vice President BMW Brand Experience.

Reimann added that since BMW is the OVP of Formula E, it has given the company a platform to cement its view as a technical leader in electric mobility.

The second season of Formula E will be an 'open championship', which means that eight of the ten teams will compete with their own electric car and technology. The differences will mostly cover the electric motor, inverter, transmission and cooling system.

The 2015/2016 Formula E will start on October 17, 2015.