BMW has been putting a lot of effort into electrifying their current model range, and they currently have plug-in hybrid versions of 6 of their models. The model lineup has never been greater in size, with more than 12 different body styles available in the showrooms to date, but the demand for hybrid vehicles has never been greater, and BMW are meeting those demands accordingly…
BMW X3 xDrive30e
The latest BMW to be gifted a part-electric powertrain is the top-selling X3 which offers top-tier driving dynamics and fuel efficiency within the desirable Sports Activity Vehicle segment. The xDrive30e can drive in electric-only mode for up to 34 miles before sipping any fuel, but what’s most impressive is the combined fuel economy between 128.4-117.7mpg while emitting just 49g/km of CO2. In terms of practicality, this is still an extremely family-friendly vehicle, with enough cabin space for 5 adults and a boot big enough for 450 litres of luggage.
You can place your order for a new X3 hybrid now and production will begin in December with deliveries at the start of 2020. The car starts at £47,565 and comes with an exceptional specification as standard, as you’d expect from a BMW at this price point.
BMW 330e saloon
Another fresh-faced hybrid BMW comes in the form of the 330e saloon which was launched in July this year. This model delivers a 50 per cent increase in electric-only range when compared to the previous generation 330e, now up to 37 miles before any fuel needs to be burnt. What’s most impressive is the combined fuel economy of up to 201.8 mpg. The 330e is also a pretty powerful machine, not quite as potent as the full-blooded M3, but you wouldn’t turn your nose up at a 0-60mph time of just 6 seconds and a peak output of 252 horsepower, would you?
The 330e is on sale and its a handsome package, particularly for company car buyers and drivers who cover a lot of miles, with prices starting from £37,875.
BMW X5 xDrive45e
The most impressive hybrid in the BMW range, arguably, comes in the largest package. The colossal X5 has been gifted a hybrid powertrain and when you consider the size of the car, the figures are staggering. The Plug-in X5 has just short of 400 horsepower and an earth-spinning 600 newton-meters of torque, at the same time, it can emit as little as 28 g/km of CO2 while returning between 188 and 235.4mpg. Furthermore, while using electric power only, the massive X5 will be able to return up to 54 miles of range before it needs charging or fueling. Those numbers just don’t seem to make sense but I’ve checked them, double-checked them and triple-checked them.
Of course, this is the largest of the BMW hybrids and therefore demands the steepest of pricetags. The X5 xDrive45e starts from £63,165.
BMW 530e and 530e xDrive
BMWs next two hybrids both share the same 5 Series body, only one model is mated to a rear-wheel-drive setup while the other benefits from BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive format. The rear-powered model is the most economical, with a claimed return of 141.2 - 156.9 mpg, while the all-wheel-drive model returns between 122.8 and 141.2 mpg - both of which are pretty fantastic, we’re sure you’ll agree. In terms of electric-only range, the cheaper non-xDrive model will return up to 35 miles, while the xDrive should offer 30. Both models come loaded with a particularly strong powerplant which will push out 252 horsepower and 420 newton-meters of torque… BMW don’t do boring hybrids, they all have bags of power!
In terms of pricing, the 530e costs £46,820 and the 530e xDrive costs £48,820.
So - which takes your fancy? If you’re interested in a particular model then why not book a test drive?