BMW 3 Series and 5 Series get new entry-level PHEV trims

KUALA LUMPUR: With an intent to offer more affordable greener options to its customers, BMW introduced the entry-level plug-in hybrid versions of its popular models - 3 Series and 5 Series in the European market. The list of the new electric variants includes 320e Sedan, 320e Touring, 320e xDrive Touring, 520e Sedan, and 520e Touring.

Under the bonnet, the new models get a combination of an electric motor and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine generating 163 hp of maximum power. The combined output of the system is rated at 204 hp and 250 Nm of torque, which is transmitted to the rear wheels through an eight-speed gearbox unit. The 320e Touring Wagon will also be available with a four-wheel-drive xDrive system.

The lithium-ion batteries onboard feature gross energy of 12-kWh and a capacity of 34Ah. According to the WLTP test cycle, the all-electric range of the models are:

• BMW 320e Sedan - 52 to 61 km 
• BMW 320e Touring - 50 to 59 km 
• BMW 320e xDrive Touring - 46 to 57 km 
• BMW 520e Sedan - 53 to 61 km 
• BMW 520e Touring - 52 to 57 km

With a 3.7 kW charger, the battery can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in 2.6 hours and from zero to 100 percent in 3.6 hours.

Talking about the performance, the BMW 320e Sedan will be able to run from zero to 100 kmph in 7.6 seconds before hitting a top speed of 224 kmph. On the contrary, the Touring version will hit the same mark in 7.9 seconds and will top out at 219 kmph. And to cover the same run, the xDrive variant will take 8.2 seconds with the same top speed as touring.

Moving to the 5 Series, the 520e Sedan has a 0-100 kmph sprint time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 224 kmph. However, the Touring takes 8.2 seconds and can hit a maximum speed of 217 kmph. 

Each model will have the BMW's new Live Cockpit Plus connectivity software as standard, providing access to several digital services, including 'eDrive Zone'.

The new BMW 320e and 520e variants are slated to go on sale in Germany in March 2021.

Also read: BMW i4 electric sedan final testing video released, launch expected this year