BMW has expanded its plug-in hybrid family with the introduction of two new versions of the 3- and 5-Series. Named the 320e and 520e respectively, they are available in both Sedan and Touring body styles and will hit European markets in March. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine rated at 163 PS, and an electric motor, for a total system output of 204 PS and 350 Nm of torque. The powertrain is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear- or all-wheel drive.
The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration
takes 7.6 seconds in the 320e Sedan and 7.9 seconds in the 320e Touring, with
the former reaching a top speed of 225 km/h and the latter maxing out
at 220 km/h. The 320e xDrive Touring needs 8.2 seconds for the sprint
and tops out at 219 km/h. The 520e Sedan and 520e Touring hit 100
km/h in 7.9 and 8.2 seconds respectively, and have a maximum speed of
225 km/h and 218 km/h.
All can run up to a speed of 140 km/h in all-electric mode, with a WLTP range of 48-57 km for the
320e Sedan, 46-54 km for the 320e Touring, 41-55 km for the 520e Sedan and 45-51 km for the 520e Touring. Mounted
under the rear seats, the 12 kWh battery, with a 34 Ah capacity, can be charged
with up to 3.7 kW, needing 2.6 hours from 0 to 80 percent and 3.6 hours for a
full charge.
The fuel tank holds 40 liters in the new 320e and 46 liters in the 520e, and the
cargo capacity behind the rear seats is 375 liters in the 320e
Sedan, 410 liters in the 520e Sedan, 410 liters in
the 320e Touring and 430 liters in the 520e Touring.
Standard gear includes the BMW Live
Cockpit Plus, with the Connected Package Professional, which allows drivers to
use the company’s numerous digital services, air conditioning, auxiliary
heating and pre-conditioned cabin via the dedicated smartphone app.
