New plug-in hybrid models and further developed high-voltage batteries: BMW moves ahead consistently with electrification.

Munich. Premium automobile manufacturer BMW is
consistently moving ahead with the electrification of its drive
portfolio and now presents its latest plug-in hybrid models at the
2019 Geneva Motor Show. At the same time, BMW also announces the
market launch of an additional sports activity vehicle (SAV) with
electric drive. The globally popular BMW X3 will likewise be produced
in a plug-in hybrid variant as of December 2019. This makes it the
first model of the brand to be offered with both a conventional
combustion engine and a plug-in hybrid system – with the addition of a
purely electrically powered version in 2020.

Once again in 2018, the BMW Group further consolidated its status as
a pioneer and market leader in the field of electrified automobiles
(source: IHS Markit New Registrations 2018 Report 04. 01. 2019). With
a market share of more than 9 per cent, the company leads the
worldwide ranking of established premium providers of vehicles that
are purely electrically powered or run on plug-in hybrid systems. In
2018 the BMW Group was the market leader in the premium segment of
electrified vehicles in both Germany and in China. With a share of
more than 16 per cent, the company also once again led the overall
European market for electrified vehicles. BMW Group achieved a new
worldwide sales record in 2018 with more than 140 000 units of
electrical and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold – an increase of 38.4 per
cent over the previous year. As one of the four future-oriented ACES
topic areas (Autonomous, Connected, Electrified and Services/Shared),
electromobility is one of the key elements of the company’s strategy
NUMBER ONE NEXT. The aim of the BMW Group is to have put
more than half a million electrified vehicles of its brands on the
road by the end of 2019.

With the purely electrically powered BMW i3 (BMW i3: combined power
consumption: 13.1 kWh/100 km*; BMW i3s: combined power consumption:
14.6 – 14.0 kWh/100 km*), the BMW i8 Coupé (combined fuel consumption:
1.8 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined
CO2 emissions from fuel: 42 g/km*) and the BMW i8 Roadster
(combined fuel consumption: 2.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption:
14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions from fuel:
46 g/km*), the plug-in hybrid variants of the BMW X5 and the BMW X3,
the BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series, the BMW
X1 xDrive25Le produced in China for the local market, the
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption:
2.5 – 2.4 l/100 km; combined power consumption:
13.7 – 13.4 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions:
56 – 55 g/km*) and the purely electrically powered MINI, the BMW Group
will have 12 electrically powered models in its programme by the end
of 2019. Not only is the sheer number of vehicles available unique but
also their variety – from the premium compact segment through to the
mid-range, upper mid-range and luxury performance segment, and also
including the sports car and sports activity vehicle categories. By
2025 the BMW Group will have increased the selection of its brands’
electrically powered vehicles to at least 25 models.

World premiere: the BMW X3 xDrive30e with plug-in hybrid drive.

BMW starts production of another SAV with plug-in hybrid drive in
December 2019, thereby further expanding its range of electrically
powered vehicles. Seeing its world premiere at the 2019 International
Geneva Motor Show, the BMW X3 xDrive30e combines the versatile
properties of a premium mid-range sports activity vehicle with
cutting-edge BMW eDrive technology. Its robust characteristics, sporty
driving performance figures and all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive –
also active when running on electric power alone – are combined with
outstandingly low levels of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Due to the use of the very latest battery technology, the
BMW X3 xDrive30e achieves an electrically powered range of up to 50
kilometres*. Thanks to BMW eDrive technology, its combined fuel
consumption is reduced to up to 2.4 litres per 100 kilometres*, with
CO2 emissions of up to 56 grams per kilometre*.

The plug-in hybrid system in the BMW X3 xDrive30e consists of a
4-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an
electric motor. Both drive units put their power on the road – or
unsurfaced terrain – via an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the
intelligent all-wheel drive system. Their joint system output of
185 kW/252 hp can be increased by up to 30 kW/41 hp by temporary use
of the electric motor’s peak output. The BMW X3 xDrive30e takes just
6.5 seconds (provisional figure) to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h.

The latest BMW plug-in hybrid model is fitted with a lithium-ion
battery which is positioned under the rear seat in order to save
space. With a luggage volume of 450 litres, the transport capacity of
the BMW X3 xDrive30e is at the level of those model variants which are
fitted with a conventional engine.

Other world premieres in Geneva: BMW 330e Sedan,
BMW X5 xDrive45e and the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series
.

The leading role of the BMW Group in the area of electrification is
also reflected in its current engine range. At the 2019 International
Geneva Motor Show, BMW presents the second generation of plug-in
hybrid models in as many as three vehicles segments.

The new BMW 330e Sedan is especially impressive due to an increase in
electrically powered range as compared to its predecessor model of
some 50 per cent to up to 60 kilometres*, a level of fuel consumption
that has been reduced to up to 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres* and
CO2 emissions reduced to 39 grams per kilometre* – all
combined with the sports sedan’s hallmark driving pleasure. The system
output of its plug-in hybrid drive amounts to 185 kW/252 hp – with the
possibility of a temporary increase by an additional 30 kW/41 hp using
the standard XtraBoost. As a result, the new BMW 330e Sedan does the
sprint from standing to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds (provisional figure).

Increased output, efficiency and electrically powered range are also
offered by the latest version of the BMW X5 with plug-in hybrid drive.
The new BMW X5 xDrive45e is now fitted with an in-line 6-cylinder
petrol engine adapted on a model-specific basis combined with an
electric motor – with a system output that is now increased to
290 kW/394 hp. 5.6 seconds (provisional figure) is all it takes the
sports activity vehicle to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h. Its
electrically powered range is now approximately 80 kilometres*, almost
three times that of its predecessor. As such, day-to-day commuter runs
can easily be covered on electric power only, thereby reducing local
emissions to zero. With its 69-litre fuel tank, the BMW X5 xDrive45e
is also perfectly suited to use over long distances. Its progressive
plug-in hybrid drive technology reduces combined fuel consumption to
up to 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO2emissions from
fuel to up to 49 grams per kilometre*. The qualities of the BMW
X5 xDrive45e as a travel vehicle are likewise borne out by its
versatile luggage compartment: here the storage volume of 500 to
1 716 litres is only very slightly less than that offered by variants
of the SAV that are powered by conventional means. The ground-breaking
all-round properties of the BMW X5 xDrive45e are complemented with the
intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. This transfers the
power of both drive units to all four wheels, providing sports-style
driving pleasure on the road and supreme off-road performance over
unsurfaced terrain.

In the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series, the sporty
flair, travel comfort and feel-good ambience of a luxury sedan are
combined with the ability to enjoy locally emissions-free and
virtually noiseless mobility. Their electrically powered range has
been increased by almost 30 per cent as compared to the predecessor
models, now at a distance of between 50 and 58 kilometres*. The model
range comprises the BMW 745e (combined fuel consumption:
2.3 – 2.1 l/100 km; combined power consumption:
15.6 – 15.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions:
52 – 48 g/km*), the long version BMW 745Le (combined fuel consumption:
2.3 –2.2 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 15.7 – 15.6 kWh/100 km;
combined CO2 emissions: 53 – 50 g/km) and the BMW 745Le
xDrive (combined fuel consumption: 2.6 – 2.3 l/100 km; combined power
consumption: 16.3 – 15.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO2
emissions: 59 – 52 g/km*) with extended wheelbase and intelligent
all-wheel drive. Its drive system now comprises an in-line 6-cylinder
petrol engine adapted on a model-specific basis together with an
electric motor. By setting the drive experience switch to SPORT mode,
the driver can tap into a system output of 290 kW/394 hp. The new
BMW 745e accelerates in 5.2 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, while the
new BMW 745Le takes 5.3 seconds. Meanwhile the new BMW 745Le xDrive
reaches the 100 km/h mark from standing in 5.1 seconds.

BMW 530e Sedan and BMW 225xe Active Tourer with further
developed lithium-ion batteries and increased electrically powered range.

The latest progress in the field of battery cell technology has also
led to an extension of the options for locally emissions-free driving
in the plug-in hybrid models of the BMW 5 Series and BMW 2 Series.
Although its dimensions remain unchanged, the new lithium-ion battery
for the plug-in hybrid model of the BMW 5 Series Sedan now has a gross
energy content that has been increased from 9.2 to 12.0 kWh. This
means an increase in electrically powered range by more than 30 per
cent to 64 kilometres*. The BMW 530e Sedan now achieves a combined
fuel consumption of at least 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres* and
CO2 emissions of at least 38 grams per kilometre*. As an
additional model variant, the all-wheel drive BMW 530e xDrive Sedan
will also be included in the programme worldwide from July 2019
onwards. The latter achieves an electrically powered range of up to
57 kilometres*. Its combined fuel consumption is at least 1.9 litres
per 100 kilometres*, while CO2 emissions are at least
44 grams per kilometre*.

In the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, state-of-the-art battery cell
technology paves the way to further reduced consumption figures as
well as an increase in the electrically powered range of more than 25
per cent to up to 57 kilometres*. While retaining the same dimensions
as before, its lithium-ion battery now has a gross energy content that
has been increased from 7.7 to 9.7. The combined fuel consumption of
the BMW 225xe Active Tourer is at least 1.9 litres per
100 kilometres*, its combined power consumption is at least 14.7 kWh
per 100 kilometres and its CO2 emissions level is at least
43 grams per kilometre*. The hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system
contributes to the BMW 225xe Active Tourer’s sporty and versatile
driving properties. Its standard and optional fittings include
numerous modern driver assistance systems as well as the current
innovations in the field of intelligent connectivity and digital
services – for increased convenience when charging the high-voltage
battery and an even more intense electrical driving experience.

Cutting-edge battery technology, new operating system and
innovative digital services for an optimised electric driving experience.

In addition to the very latest battery technology, the plug-in hybrid
variants of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, the new BMW X5 and the new BMW
7 Series also feature a new display and operating system as well as
innovative digital services for an even more intense electric driving
experience. Their standard fittings include the BMW Live Cockpit
Professional with newly designed screens in the instrument panel and
the Control Display, which also provide clearly laid-out details of
the battery charge state, electrically powered range and operating
mode of the plug-in hybrid system. The buttons used to select the
drive mode are now integrated in the drive experience switch unit.
Here, a press of the button is all that is needed to activate the
modes SPORT for a particularly dynamic set-up and ADAPTIVE for a
set-up that is geared towards the relevant driving style and
situation, as well as the three operating modes HYBRID, ELECTRIC and
BATTERY CONTROL. HYBRID mode serves as the standard setting that
ensures a balanced set-up and optimised interaction between the
combustion engine and electric motor. It also possible to select
ELECTRIC mode as the standard setting via the iDrive menu. The HYBRID
button is pressed twice to activate this operating mode in an
efficiency-optimised version (HYBRID ECO PRO). The coasting function
is one of the factors that contributes to a further reduction in fuel consumption.

The technology of the intelligent energy management system has
likewise been further optimised. Since this is now linked to the
navigation system, the interaction between combustion engine and
electric motor can be adapted more precisely to the route and driving
situation. In the new BMW 330e Sedan and the new BMW X5 xDrive45e, a
control unit that draws on navigation and sensor data is also able to
optimise brake energy recuperation efficiency in HYBRID ECO PRO mode.
When approaching a junction or a vehicle driving ahead, for example,
recuperation can be put to particularly intensive use for the purpose
of deceleration.

During the charging process, the fully digital instrument panel
provides graphically displayed information on the battery’s current
charge status and therefore the car’s potential electrically powered
range. The graphic display – designed individually for each vehicle –
also shows the amperage available at the charge station being used, as
well as indicating when the battery is fully charged.

New digital services help make it more attractive and convenient to
charge the high-voltage battery when out and about. For example, the
navigation system shows the driver nearby hotels, restaurants, cafés
and sights or cultural facilities when a public charging station is
being selected. Customers are also given a forecast as to the
occupation status of charging stations. In addition, BMW enables
ChargeNow customers to reserve an enabled charging station for a
limited period based on in-car activation.

A distinctive sound created especially for electrified BMW models is
used for the purpose of acoustic pedestrian protection, emitted via a
speaker system. The sound design in the low speed range radiates a
vibrant acoustic presence, though without impairing the acoustic
comfort of vehicle occupants.

 

All figures relating to driving performance,
consumption, emissions and range are provisional.

Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures and power
consumption were measured using the methods required according
to Regulation VO (EC) 2007/715 as amended. The figures are
calculated using a vehicle fitted with basic equipment in
Germany, the ranges stated take into account differences in
selected wheel and tyre sizes as well as the optional
equipment. They may change during configuration.

The details marked * have already been calculated based on
the new WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison
purposes. In these vehicles, different figures than those
published here may apply for the assessment of taxes and other
vehicle-related duties which are (also) based on
CO2 emissions.

Last revised: 16. 01. 2019

For further details on official consumption figures, official
specific CO2 emissions and power consumption of new
cars, please refer to the “Manual on fuel consumption,
CO2 emissions and power consumption of new
cars” available free of charge at all sales outlets, from
Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1,
73760 Ostfilthen-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.