New BMW 7-series Plug-In Hybrid Packs a Four-Cylinder

At the upcoming Interational Auto Show in Frankfurt, BMW will be showcasing 4 plug-in hybrid models – the BMW 740e, BMW 330e (new), BMW 225xe (new), and the BMW X5 xDrive40e.

The 134 hp/220 Nm petrol engine powers the front wheels through a six-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox, while the 87 hp electric motor is connected to the rear wheels via a two-speed transmission.

Electric power comes from a lithium-ion battery positioned under the rear seat bench, with BMW claiming that “primary” boot capacity remains unchanged over the conventional 2-Series Active Tourer models at 400 liters. When using both, the 225xe can accelerate to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.7 seconds and top out at 202km/h (126mph).

For the next-generation 5 Series, codename G30, rumormill churns out that BMW will introduce two plug-in hybrids: the 530e and 540e.

That means that the combined horsepower figure of the internal combustion engine under the bonnet and the electric motor in the back is 224 HP. With eDrive, the electric motor fills in these gaps so everything is always instantaneous and seamless. But here’s some electrifying details of the German brand’s newest hybrid MPV – it has a little bit of a BMW i8 underneath. The kinetic energy will easily be transformed into electrical energy. Under greater acceleration and at higher speeds, however, the combustion engine also joins the action.

In AUTO eDrive mode, its top speed is limited to 80 km/h in full EV mode, for a maximum range of 41 km. The plug-in hybrid 2 Series – dubbed the 225xe – will use similar technology to the BMW i3 with a three-cylinder petrol engine powering the front wheels and an electric motor driving the rear. The hybrids will also have a plug-in feature.

The 225xe takes its powertrain inspiration from BMW’s bravest shape, the i8, effectively taking its combination of electric and petrol motors and turning them around.

When depleted, the battery takes a little over three hours to charge from a wall outlet, or two hours from a 116A/230V “i Wallbox” wall charger.

It would seem that eDrive, which also incorporates weight-saving materials in vehicle construction and turbocharging technology is the solution to this quandary and by the end of the year there will be four eDrive hybrid cars available in the mainstream BMW range including an eDrive version of the new 7 Series.