New entry-level plug-in hybrid variants for the BMW 3 and 5 Series

BMW has unveiled its new entry-level plug-in hybrid models of the 3 Series and the 5 Series.

The new model variants of the BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring as well as the BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW 5 Series Touring all feature the fourth generation of BMW eDrive technology.

The new additions to the range of plug-in hybrid models create the opportunity to combine the comprehensive qualities of the new BMW 3 Series and the BMW 5 Series with the advanced character and economy of an electrified drive.

The model-specific plug-in hybrid system of the new entry-level variants consists of a 161bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. Together they generate a system output of up to 201bhp.

The intelligently controlled interaction of the combustion engine and electric motor delivers brand-typical hybrid-specific driving pleasure as well as outstanding efficiency. The two engines transmit their drive torque to the rear wheels via the eight-speed Steptronic transmission or to all four wheels as required with the help of the xDrive system. In addition to the 201bhp of system output, the spontaneous power delivery and the maximum system torque of 350Nm ensure high-level sprint capacity and sporty driving characteristics.

The new BMW 320e Sedan accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 225 km/h. The corresponding figures for the new BMW 320e Touring are 7.9 seconds and 220km/h.

The new BMW 520e Sedan meanwhile accelerates from a standstill to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds, and its top speed is 225km/h. The new 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 new plug-in hybrid models of both series can reach a top speed of 140km/h.

The lithium-ion batteries of the models offer a gross energy content of 12.0kWh and a capacity of 34Ah.

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 BMW 320e Touring, 53km to 61km for the new BMW 520e Sedan and 52km to 57km for the new BMW 520e Touring.

On the road, the high-voltage battery is particularly efficient thanks to brake energy recovery. With the two standard equipment charging cables, it 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.

BMW Live Cockpit Plus including Connected Package Professional, which is standard equipment in the new plug-in hybrid models, enables drivers to use numerous digital services, some of which are specially designed for electric mobility.

With the BMW eDrive Zone and BMW Points digital services, drivers of plug-in hybrid BMW models are given additional incentives and opportunities to make particularly intensive use of the potential of locally emission-free mobility and thus contribute reducing CO₂ and noise emissions in inner-city areas.

The high-voltage battery of the new BMW 3 Series and BMW 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 new BMW 320e Sedan and 410 litres in the new BMW 520e Sedan. In the new BMW 320e Touring, storage space can be increased from 410 to 1,420 litres and from 430 to 1,560 litres in the new BMW 520e Touring.

The BMW 3 Series and BMW 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, an unmistakeable sound designed specifically for electrified BMW models is generated to alert other road users to the approaching car without impairing the acoustic comfort of the vehicle occupants.

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, a direct yet precise accelerator pedal characteristic and a specific eight-speed Steptronic transmission shift programme including brake downshifts.