It appears that an entry-level plug-in hybrid BMW 3 Series is on the horizon, with the G20-generation 320e appearing on the BMW Netherlands configurator page in both sedan and Touring (wagon) bodystyles. The images of the forthcoming model has not been accompanied by much in the way of technical specifications, though the G20/G21 320e has previously been thought to feature an electrified version of the B38 1.5 litre three-cylinder that served in purely internal-combustion form in the F30 318i.
This has more recently been reported by
BMW Blog to instead feature a detuned version of the 2.0 litre turbo petrol
inline-four from the G20 330e, with the forthcoming 320e said to pack no more
than 200 hp in total system output so as to avoid overlap with the 252 PS/420
Nm total system outputs (292 PS in XtraBoost mode) of the currently available
plug-in hybrid G20.
The G20/G21 320e configurator for the
Netherlands also shows a host of accessories for roof-mounted luggage and an
optional 18-inch wheel design, with the sedan additionally featuring an
available M Performance bodykit that includes boot lid spoilers and side skirt
extensions. For now, the 320e’s electric driving capabilities have not been
officially stated, though for reference the G20 330e feeds a 68 PS electric
motor from a 2.0 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers up to 56 km of fully
electric range, and can operate in EV mode at speeds up to 140 km/h.
The 330e takes six hours to charge its
battery from a 230-volt domestic power outlet, or 3.6 hours from an AC wallbox
or public charger with a maximum output of 3.7 kW. Charging up to 80% state of
charge takes 4.3 hours and 2.6 hours, respectively. The drive battery is
located beneath the boot floor, reducing luggage capacity from 480 litres to
375 litres.
