The electrified
revolution is underway at BMW, who plans to launch a wide range of cars that
will benefit from partial or total electrification. One model that’s tipped to
join the fray, perhaps as early as next year according to AutomobileMag, is a
plug-in hybrid version of the new-gen 1-Series.
Allegedly dubbed
the M140e, it’s expected to pack a 2.0-liter, turbo-four, an electric motor and
a 35 kWh battery, for a total output of 400 horsepower and an electric range of 80-113 km. Other reports, concerning a possible X8 have been
around from before the X7 debuted as the firm’s flagship SUV. But the part that
we’re interested in is related to a possible M version of the X6’s larger
sibling, thought to arrive in 2022. If that turns out to be accurate, then
expect it with up to 750 horsepower from a PHEV powertrain, with a V8 and an
electric motor. It could also get an on-demand RWD mode, similar to the M5.
Leaving the BMW M’s
backyard leads us to the ‘i’ cars, and the list here is quite long, so bear
with us. You get the iX3, a CLAR-based X3 with a RWD PHEV powertrain made for
global markets in China, launching perhaps next year, the iNext that’s due one
year later and i4 expected about the same time. Providing a glimpse into the
i12, said to be on course for 2022, was the Vision M Next Concept, whereas the
iX1, which will retire the i3 as a FWD-based crossover, is also tipped to
arrive in 3 years.
The i5 and i7,
which will be EV derivatives of the next 5- and 7-Series, respectively, are
also a few years away from being introduced. The 2-Series Active Tourer will
get a comprehensive makeover in 2022, phasing out the ICE engines for an EV
variant. Elsewhere, the successors of the outgoing X3, X5 and X7, believed to
make their way into the market between 2024 to 2027, will spawn zero-emission
versions, too.
