The BMW GS models, powered by the boxer flat-twin engine, are among the best companions for anyone wishing to explore the furthest reaches of our planets. Be it the Himalayan mountains, the Saharan desert or the polar circles – the “GS” has always provided motorcycle adventurers with the ideal combination of touring and long-distance travel qualities, dynamic performance, endurance and off-road capability. With the world premiere of the near-series test version of the R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid, BMW Motorrad opens up a whole new chapter in GS history and launches the world’s first series-production all-wheel drive travel enduro with hybrid drive.

The new R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid is based on the legendary R 1200 GS Adventure. The air/liquid cooled flat twin generates an output of 125hp at 7 750 rpm as well as a maximum torque of 125Nm at 6 500 rpm and delivers it to the rear wheel via shaft drive in familiar fashion. Hybrid drive with 170hp overall system output ensures supreme performance in all riding conditions. The unique all-wheel drive of the front wheel of the new R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid ensures even better traction on slippery road conditions, deep sand or mud. This technological feat was achieved using the system developed by BMW Automobiles. All-wheel drive can be operated automatically or manually by the rider via the 2WD switch located on the left handlebar operation unit. It activates the wheel-hub e-Drive system which functions both as electric motor and generator. With the additional output of 45hp and overall 170hp system performance, the innovative all-wheel drive system opens up a whole new dimension of performance and offroad-suitability.

A new generation of batteries, derived from BMW i battery technology, stores the energy recuperated during braking. The e-Drive system on the front wheel is supplied with this energy and the R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid rider can use it for accelerating in addition to the power delivered by the combustion engine. Thanks to sophisticated management technology the power is always supplied to the front wheel in the right amount and appropriately depending on the riding situation. This means that the front wheel only receives the amount of power as the traction conditions permit – for example in wet or deep snow conditions. The rider can use a number of riding modes to customise how the all-wheel drive system operates and adjust the hybrid system’s recuperation strategies to suit his needs. Everything can be controlled using the LCD display.

Apart from the significant advantages achieved with regard to ride performance, the xDrive Hybrid all-wheel drive also benefits braking greatly. Thanks to the recuperation process, which has been integrated into the BMW Motorrad ABS system, braking performance has been improved even further. This intelligent combined solution also made it possible to reduce the conventional double-disc hydraulic braking system at the front to a single-disc brake system thereby saving approximately 2.9 kilograms of weight. In combination with the wheel hub e-Drive, which only weighs 880 grams, the bike’s agility was also optimized. Thanks to the bike’s positive weight balance, the weight level of the current R 1200 GS Adventure could be maintained in spite of the additional hybrid all-wheel technology.