WHETHER YOU CHOOSE A PETROL, DIESEL OR PLUG-IN HYBRID BMW, YOU CAN BE SURE THAT IT WILL DELIVER SHEER DRIVING PLEASURE.
Thanks to the numerous advancements in technology, drivers today are spoilt for choice when it comes to automobile powertrains.
A decade ago, motorists were pretty much limited to choosing between petrol engines of varying sizes – even if they were looking to buy a premium car.
Today, buyers who want to acquire a luxury model can now find one that suits their needs – especially if they’re keen to acquire a BMW.
Apart from petrol and turbo-diesel models, BMW now offers plug-in petrol- electric hybrid models, too.
Let’s take a look at the unique advantages that each powertrain offers. For simplicity, we shall use BMW’s intelligent athlete, the 5 Series saloon, to illustrate these three examples.
POWER-PACKED
Petrol engines, which deliver plenty of top-end power, are the ideal choice for drivers who prioritise performance above all else.
The BMW 540i is well-suited to this endeavour. Its creamy turbocharged 3-litre inline-6, which produces 340hp and 450Nm, propels the BMW 540i from rest to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds.
Yet at the same time, the BMW 540i is capable of an average fuel consumption of 7.2L per 100km, while its average CO2 emission is just 164g/km, putting it in the neutral CEVS (Carbon Emissions-Based Vehicle Scheme) band.
TORQUE-RICH
Turbo-diesel engines are noted for their efficiency and punchy low-end delivery, making them an attractive option for motorists who clock higher mileage while carrying a full complement of passengers and their belongings.
Turbo-diesel motors also have the additional advantage of emitting less CO2 than their petrol powerplants. The BMW 520d, for instance, is rated at 125g/km, while its average fuel consumption is an even more impressive 4.8L/100km.
Like all BMWs, the 520d is also engineered to please keen drivers. Its 2-litre engine is capable of 190hp and 400Nm, the latter figure from just 1750rpm. These numbers enable the BMW 520d to finish the century sprint in 7.5 seconds.
LEAN, MEAN AND GREEN
If you’re a driver seeking even greater performance and efficiency, then the BMW 530e iPerformance is the car for you.
The BMW 530e iPerformance is a PHEV (plug-in hybrid). The petrol engine, a turbocharged 2-litre, generates 184hp and 320Nm. Linked to an electric motor, which is powered by a 9.2kWh lithiumion battery, the BMW 530e iPerformance packs a total of 252hp and 420Nm. However, unlike regular hybrids, which rely solely on the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking to recharge their batteries, the BMW 530e iPerformance’s battery pack can be recharged in less than five hours via a regular wall socket. If plugged into the BMW i Wallbox Plus, the charging time is under three hours.
This advantage enables the BMW 530e iPerformance to cover up to 50km solely on electric power. For most drivers, a 50km range is sufficient to get them to and from the office – with zero emissions.
To say that the BMW 530e iPerformance is efficient would be an understatement. Averaging up to 1.9L/100km and emitting just 44g/km, this executive saloon is downright eco-friendly.
The BMW 530e iPerformance isn’t just an eco-warrior, though. It’s also a thoroughbred sports saloon that zips from zero to 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds.
After all, it is still a BMW, the benchmark for sheer driving pleasure.
