BMW Introduces New Plug-in Hybrid Versions of the 3 Series and 5 Series Models

author: Manish Kharinta   

The introduction of four new plug-in hybrid versions for the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series model range is the latest development in the German automaker's electrification strategy. 

Beginning in March, BMW's 3 Series model range will get four plug-in hybrid options. The automaker will also add five PHEV models to its 5 Series lineup.

The wagon versions of 3 Series and 5 Series sedans will also get new PHEV variants that will come equipped with BMW's fourth-generation eDrive technology. The automaker will offer its xDrive technology on three plug-in hybrid 3 Series models as an option.

The company has also confirmed that three of the PHEV variants of the 5 Series will come with BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive system, either as standard or as an option.

BMW's touring models will also come with new hybrid powertrain options.

The PHEV powertrains in the new base model will use a 163 horsepower 2-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that works in tandem with an electric motor to generate 204 combined horsepower. The plug-in hybrid system also generates around 258 lb-ft of peak torque. Power is distributed via BMW's 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

BMW says that its new models will include state-of-the-art high storage capacity battery technology, which offers 12 kWh of gross energy content with 34 Ah of capacity. 

This translates into a 10% bump in the all-electric driving range of the 520e Touring model, and a 24% bump in range for the 320e xDrive Touring variant. The electric-only range of 320e, 320e Touring, and 520e sedans has also been improved by 15-18%, the company said.

PHEV buyers will also receive BMW Charging Cards to pay for the monthly basic fee for charging during the first year of ownership. 

Recharging a completely depleted battery pack up to 80% in BMW's PHEV models will take 2.6 hours using a 3.7 kW charger, and 3.6 hours to achieve a full charge. 

Even though 2020 was quite a challenging year for most automakers due to the global pandemic, BMW's high-performance M division set a new sales record in 2020 by delivering 144,218 vehicles globally.

As compared to last year, BMW intends on using its electrified powertrain technology to increase vehicle sales by 50% in the 2021 financial year. 

With more and more companies investing in electrified crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks, it is refreshing to see that BMW is using its electrification offensive to keep the performance sedan segment alive.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.