The new entry-level plug-in hybrid models of the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 5 Series are here. Both model series will be supplemented by two further models each with an electrified drive from March 2021. 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 feature the fourth generation of BMW eDrive technology.
In this way the BMW Group is consistently continuing its model offensive in the field of vehicles with electrified drive systems. It is already quite clear that electromobility is increasingly becoming a key driver of sustainable growth for the company. For the financial year 2021, the BMW Group is aiming to increase sales of vehicles with electrified drive systems by around 50 per cent compared to the already very successful year 2020.
The new plug-in hybrid models of the BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series offer ideal prerequisites for inspiring additional target groups for electric mobility. In the BMW 3 Series alone, there will already be four plug-in hybrid models to choose from in future, three of which will also be optionally available with BMW xDrive. The BMW 5 Series will then comprise as many as five models that combine characteristic sportiness, every day and travelling suitability with the option of locally emission-free driving. Three of them feature intelligent all-wheel drive as standard or as an option.
In total, the BMW Group will be offering 15 BMW models and one MINI model with a plug-in hybrid drive from March 2021. The current expansion of the range represents the next logical step on the way to a model range that will already include 25 electrified vehicles by 2023.
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 new BMW 5 Series with the advanced character of an electrified drive in a, particularly economical fashion. The model-specific plug-in hybrid system of the new entry-level variants consists of a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with 120 kW/163 hp and an electric motor. Together they generate a system output of up to 150 kW/204 hp.
The intelligently controlled interaction of the combustion engine and the 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 8-speed Steptronic transmission or, to all four wheels as required with the help of the xDrive system. In addition to 150 kW/204 hp of system output, the spontaneous power delivery of the plug-in hybrid drive and the maximum system torque of 350 Nm ensure high-level sprint capacity and sporty driving characteristics.
The new BMW 320e Sedan accelerates from zero to 100 km/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 220 km/h, while for the new BMW 320e xDrive Touring they are 8.2 seconds and 219 km/h. The new BMW 520e Sedan accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, and its top speed is 225 km/h. The new BMW 520e Touring completes the standard sprint in 8.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 218 km/h. In purely electric driving mode, the new plug-in hybrid models of both series can reach a top speed of 140 km/h.
Due to the exemplary efficiency of their electric motor and the high storage capacity of their high-voltage battery, the new plug-in hybrid models are ideal for handling a large part of everyday driving, such as commuting between home and work, with pure e-drive and thus locally emission-free. Developed on the basis of most recent battery cell technology and manufactured by the BMW Group, the lithium-ion batteries offer a gross energy content of 12.0 kWh and a capacity of 34 Ah. The values for the electric range according to the WLTP test cycle are 52 to 61 kilometres for the new BMW 320e Sedan, 50 to 59 kilometres for the new BMW 320e Touring, 46 to 57 kilometres for the new BMW 320e xDrive Touring, 53 to 61 kilometres for the new BMW 520e Sedan and 52 to 57 kilometres 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 a conventional household socket as well as at a wallbox and public charging stations. The high-voltage battery can be charged with a maximum of 3,7kW from 0 to 80 per cent of its total capacity in 2.6 hours and from zero to 100 per cent in 3.6 hours.
Due to their long ranges and low CO2 emissions, the new plug-in BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series hybrid models meet the criteria which have been stipulated for the classification as an electric vehicle in Germany and the associated special rights on public roads. As a result, they are also subject to a 50% reduced company car taxation. In addition, the new models also meet the requirements for Euro 6.750 combined incentives in Germany for the BMW 320e versions and Euro 5.625 for the BMW 520e versions.
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. As soon as the vehicle enters an inner-city core area recognised as an eDrive Zone by means of geofencing via GPS, the control system of the plug-in hybrid drive automatically activates the purely electric driving mode. In addition to the official urban environmental zones in Germany, the eDrive Zones also include city areas in numerous other European countries. In total, the BMW eDrive Zone service can already be used in more than 80 European cities.
The increase in the distance covered electrically not only helps optimise efficiency and reduce emissions, it also reduces operating costs for the customer. This applies particularly to city traffic, where electric power consistently achieves a higher level of efficiency than a petrol or diesel engine. Locally emission-free driving is also rewarded with BMW Points, the world’s first rewards programme for drivers of BMW plug-in hybrid models. For each purely electric kilometre travelled, the driver is credited with one point. Within areas defined as a BMW eDrive Zone, using purely electric driving mode is even rewarded with double points. The points collected can then be converted into a credit that can be redeemed when charging the high-voltage battery at public BMW Charging Stations. The BMW eDrive Zones and BMW Points services are also standard for the new BMW 3 Series and the new BMW 5 Series plug-in hybrid models.
The high-voltage battery of all new 2021 BMW 3 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 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 maximum permissible trailer load is 1 500 kilograms for the BMW 3 Series models and 1 700 kilograms for the BMW 5 Series models.
The generous amount of space contributes to the attractive versatility of the plug-in hybrid models, as does the drive concept with two engines. Thanks to a fuel tank that holds 40 litres in the BMW 3 Series models and 46 litres in the BMW 5 Series models, a high range is ensured, emphasising the electric vehicles’ travelling suitability.
The2021 BMW 3 and 5 Series Plug In Hybrid are also equipped with active pedestrian protection as standard. When driving electrically at speeds of up to 30 km/h, an unmistakable 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 8-speed Steptronic transmission shift programme including brake downshifts.
Standard equipment also includes automatic air conditioning with extended features (BMW 520e Sedan, BMW 520e Touring) or automatic air conditioning (BMW 320e Sedan, BMW 320e Touring) and auxiliary heating and air conditioning. The interior of the vehicle can preheated or precooled as required. This ensures pleasant temperatures before starting off even if the battery has a low state of charge. The interior can be pre-conditioned remotely via the My BMW App using a smartphone.
