BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid
The BMW 3 Series and 5 Series are getting new entry-level plug-in hybrid variants.
The new model variants of the BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring, as well as the Series Sedan and 5 Series Touring all feature fourth generation eDrive technology.
ELECTRIFIED DRIVE
The plug-in hybrid system of the new entry-level BMW 3 Series and 5 Series consists of a 161bhp 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. Together they generate a system output of up to 201hp.
BMW claims that the interaction of the combustion engine and electric motor has been designed to deliver both the driving pleasure the brand is known for as well as outstanding efficiency.
The two engines transmit their drive torque to the rear wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, or to all four wheels as required with the help of the xDrive system. Maximum system torque is 350Nm.
The 320e’s 201hp and 350Nm will help ensure brisk acceleration.
The BMW 320e Sedan accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 225km/h. The corresponding figures for the 320e Touring are 7.9 seconds and 220km/h.
Meanwhile, the BMW 520e Sedan accelerates from a standstill to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 225km/h. The BMW 520e Touring completes the standard sprint in 8.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 218km/h.
In purely electric driving mode, the plug-in hybrid models of both the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series can reach a top speed of 140km/h.
ECONOMICAL CRUISERS
The lithium-ion batteries in the 3 Series and 5 Series plug-in hybrids offer a gross energy content of 12kWh and a capacity of 34Ah.
The zero to 100km/h sprint is dispatched in 7.9 seconds in the BMW 320e Touring.
The values for the electric range according to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure test cycle are 52km to 61km for the new BMW 320e Sedan, 50km to 59km for the new 320e Touring, 53km to 61km for the 520e Sedan and 52km to 57km for the latest 520e Touring.
With the two standard equipment charging cables, the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series plug-in hybrid can also be charged at both a conventional household socket as well as at a wallbox and public charging stations.
The high-voltage battery can be charged with a maximum speed of 3.7kW, bringing it from 0% to 80% of its total capacity in 2.6 hours and from zero to 100% in 3.6 hours.
SMART DRIVING
BMW Live Cockpit Plus including Connected Package Professional is standard in the new plug-in hybrid models.
With the BMW eDrive Zone and BMW Points digital services, drivers of these plug-in hybrid models are given additional incentives and opportunities to utilise the potential of locally emission-free mobility.
BMW 520e gets 53km to 61km of electric-only range.
The high-voltage battery of the new BMW 3 Series and 5 Series plug-in hybrid models is installed below the rear seat bench to save space.
This means that the luggage compartment volume of the Sedan and Touring models is almost fully available. It is 375 litres in the 320e Sedan and 410 litres in the BMW 520e Sedan.
In the 320e Touring, storage space can be increased from 410 to 1,420 litres. The 520e Touring offers 430 to 1,560 litres.
HYBRID-SPECIFIC TECH
The BMW 3 Series and 5 Series plug-in hybrid models are also equipped with active pedestrian protection as standard. When driving electrically at speeds of up to 30km/h, a sound designed specifically for electrified BMW models is generated to alert other road users.
12.0kWh battery can be brought to 80% capacity in just 2.6 hours.
The sporty characteristics of the new plug-in hybrid models are enhanced by model-specific tuning and targeted transmission of the drive sound via the audio system into the interior.
There is also a direct and precise accelerator pedal response, along with a specific shift programme for the 8-speed automatic that includes brake downshifts.
Curious about plug-in hybrids? Click here for our BMW 330e feature!
Read our review of the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid here!
Or find out more about the new BMW 5 Series here!
