Munich. Premium automobile manufacturer BMW is consistently moving ahead with the electrification of its drive portfolio and now presents its latest plug-in hybrid models at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. At the same time, BMW also announces the market launch of an additional sports activity vehicle (SAV) with electric drive. The globally popular BMW X3 will likewise be produced in a plug-in hybrid variant as of December 2019. This makes it the first model of the brand to be offered with both a conventional combustion engine and a plug-in hybrid system – with the addition of a purely electrically powered version in 2020.

Once again in 2018, the BMW Group further consolidated its status as a pioneer and market leader in the field of electrified automobiles (source: IHS Markit New Registrations 2018 Report 04. 01. 2019). With a market share of more than 9 per cent, the company leads the worldwide ranking of established premium providers of vehicles that are purely electrically powered or run on plug-in hybrid systems. In 2018 the BMW Group was the market leader in the premium segment of electrified vehicles in both Germany and in China. With a share of more than 16 per cent, the company also once again led the overall European market for electrified vehicles. BMW Group achieved a new worldwide sales record in 2018 with more than 140 000 units of electrical and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold – an increase of 38.4 per cent over the previous year. As one of the four future-oriented ACES topic areas (Autonomous, Connected, Electrified and Services/Shared), electromobility is one of the key elements of the company’s strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT. The aim of the BMW Group is to have put more than half a million electrified vehicles of its brands on the road by the end of 2019.

With the purely electrically powered BMW i3 (BMW i3: combined power consumption: 13.1 kWh/100 km*; BMW i3s: combined power consumption: 14.6 – 14.0 kWh/100 km*), the BMW i8 Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 1.8 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions from fuel: 42 g/km*) and the BMW i8 Roadster (combined fuel consumption: 2.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions from fuel: 46 g/km*), the plug-in hybrid variants of the BMW X5 and the BMW X3, the BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series, the BMW X1 xDrive25Le produced in China for the local market, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption: 2.5 – 2.4 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 13.7 – 13.4 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 56 – 55 g/km*) and the purely electrically powered MINI, the BMW Group will have 12 electrically powered models in its programme by the end of 2019. Not only is the sheer number of vehicles available unique but also their variety – from the premium compact segment through to the mid-range, upper mid-range and luxury performance segment, and also including the sports car and sports activity vehicle categories. By 2025 the BMW Group will have increased the selection of its brands’ electrically powered vehicles to at least 25 models.

World premiere: the BMW X3 xDrive30e with plug-in hybrid drive.

BMW starts production of another SAV with plug-in hybrid drive in December 2019, thereby further expanding its range of electrically powered vehicles. Seeing its world premiere at the 2019 International Geneva Motor Show, the BMW X3 xDrive30e combines the versatile properties of a premium mid-range sports activity vehicle with cutting-edge BMW eDrive technology. Its robust characteristics, sporty driving performance figures and all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive – also active when running on electric power alone – are combined with outstandingly low levels of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Due to the use of the very latest battery technology, the BMW X3 xDrive30e achieves an electrically powered range of up to 50 kilometres*. Thanks to BMW eDrive technology, its combined fuel consumption is reduced to up to 2.4 litres per 100 kilometres*, with CO₂ emissions of up to 56 grams per kilometre*.

The plug-in hybrid system in the BMW X3 xDrive30e consists of a 4-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an electric motor. Both drive units put their power on the road – or unsurfaced terrain – via an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the intelligent all-wheel drive system. Their joint system output of 185 kW/252 hp can be increased by up to 30 kW/41 hp by temporary use of the electric motor's peak output. The BMW X3 xDrive30e takes just 6.5 seconds (provisional figure) to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h.

The latest BMW plug-in hybrid model is fitted with a lithium-ion battery which is positioned under the rear seat in order to save space. With a luggage volume of 450 litres, the transport capacity of the BMW X3 xDrive30e is at the level of those model variants which are fitted with a conventional engine.

Other world premieres in Geneva: BMW 330e Sedan, BMW X5 xDrive45e and the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series.

The leading role of the BMW Group in the area of electrification is also reflected in its current engine range. At the 2019 International Geneva Motor Show, BMW presents the second generation of plug-in hybrid models in as many as three vehicles segments.

The new BMW 330e Sedan is especially impressive due to an increase in electrically powered range as compared to its predecessor model of some 50 per cent to up to 60 kilometres*, a level of fuel consumption that has been reduced to up to 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO₂ emissions reduced to 39 grams per kilometre* – all combined with the sports sedan’s hallmark driving pleasure. The system output of its plug-in hybrid drive amounts to 185 kW/252 hp – with the possibility of a temporary increase by an additional 30 kW/41 hp using the standard XtraBoost. As a result, the new BMW 330e Sedan does the sprint from standing to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds (provisional figure).

Increased output, efficiency and electrically powered range are also offered by the latest version of the BMW X5 with plug-in hybrid drive. The new BMW X5 xDrive45e is now fitted with an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine adapted on a model-specific basis combined with an electric motor – with a system output that is now increased to 290 kW/394 hp. 5.6 seconds (provisional figure) is all it takes the sports activity vehicle to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h. Its electrically powered range is now approximately 80 kilometres*, almost three times that of its predecessor. As such, day-to-day commuter runs can easily be covered on electric power only, thereby reducing local emissions to zero. With its 69-litre fuel tank, the BMW X5 xDrive45e is also perfectly suited to use over long distances. Its progressive plug-in hybrid drive technology reduces combined fuel consumption to up to 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO₂emissions from fuel to up to 49 grams per kilometre*. The qualities of the BMW X5 xDrive45e as a travel vehicle are likewise borne out by its versatile luggage compartment: here the storage volume of 500 to 1 716 litres is only very slightly less than that offered by variants of the SAV that are powered by conventional means. The ground-breaking all-round properties of the BMW X5 xDrive45e are complemented with the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. This transfers the power of both drive units to all four wheels, providing sports-style driving pleasure on the road and supreme off-road performance over unsurfaced terrain.

In the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series, the sporty flair, travel comfort and feel-good ambience of a luxury sedan are combined with the ability to enjoy locally emissions-free and virtually noiseless mobility. Their electrically powered range has been increased by almost 30 per cent as compared to the predecessor models, now at a distance of between 50 and 58 kilometres*. The model range comprises the BMW 745e (combined fuel consumption: 2.3 – 2.1 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 15.6 – 15.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 52 – 48 g/km*), the long version BMW 745Le (combined fuel consumption: 2.3 –2.2 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 15.7 – 15.6 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 53 – 50 g/km) and the BMW 745Le xDrive (combined fuel consumption: 2.6 – 2.3 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 16.3 – 15.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 59 – 52 g/km*) with extended wheelbase and intelligent all-wheel drive. Its drive system now comprises an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine adapted on a model-specific basis together with an electric motor. By setting the drive experience switch to SPORT mode, the driver can tap into a system output of 290 kW/394 hp. The new BMW 745e accelerates in 5.2 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, while the new BMW 745Le takes 5.3 seconds. Meanwhile the new BMW 745Le xDrive reaches the 100 km/h mark from standing in 5.1 seconds.

BMW 530e Sedan and BMW 225xe Active Tourer with further developed lithium-ion batteries and increased electrically powered range.

The latest progress in the field of battery cell technology has also led to an extension of the options for locally emissions-free driving in the plug-in hybrid models of the BMW 5 Series and BMW 2 Series. Although its dimensions remain unchanged, the new lithium-ion battery for the plug-in hybrid model of the BMW 5 Series Sedan now has a gross energy content that has been increased from 9.2 to 12.0 kWh. This means an increase in electrically powered range by more than 30 per cent to 64 kilometres*. The BMW 530e Sedan now achieves a combined fuel consumption of at least 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO₂ emissions of at least 38 grams per kilometre*. As an additional model variant, the all-wheel drive BMW 530e xDrive Sedan will also be included in the programme worldwide from July 2019 onwards. The latter achieves an electrically powered range of up to 57 kilometres*. Its combined fuel consumption is at least 1.9 litres per 100 kilometres*, while CO₂ emissions are at least 44 grams per kilometre*.

In the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, state-of-the-art battery cell technology paves the way to further reduced consumption figures as well as an increase in the electrically powered range of more than 25 per cent to up to 57 kilometres*. While retaining the same dimensions as before, its lithium-ion battery now has a gross energy content that has been increased from 7.7 to 9.7. The combined fuel consumption of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer is at least 1.9 litres per 100 kilometres*, its combined power consumption is at least 14.7 kWh per 100 kilometres and its CO₂ emissions level is at least 43 grams per kilometre*. The hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system contributes to the BMW 225xe Active Tourer's sporty and versatile driving properties. Its standard and optional fittings include numerous modern driver assistance systems as well as the current innovations in the field of intelligent connectivity and digital services – for increased convenience when charging the high-voltage battery and an even more intense electrical driving experience.

Cutting-edge battery technology, new operating system and innovative digital services for an optimised electric driving experience.

In addition to the very latest battery technology, the plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, the new BMW X5 and the new BMW 7 Series also feature a new display and operating system as well as innovative digital services for an even more intense electric driving experience. Their standard fittings include the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with newly designed screens in the instrument panel and the Control Display, which also provide clearly laid-out details of the battery charge state, electrically powered range and operating mode of the plug-in hybrid system. The buttons used to select the drive mode are now integrated in the drive experience switch unit. Here, a press of the button is all that is needed to activate the modes SPORT for a particularly dynamic set-up and ADAPTIVE for a set-up that is geared towards the relevant driving style and situation, as well as the three operating modes HYBRID, ELECTRIC and BATTERY CONTROL. HYBRID mode serves as the standard setting that ensures a balanced set-up and optimised interaction between the combustion engine and electric motor. It also possible to select ELECTRIC mode as the standard setting via the iDrive menu. The HYBRID button is pressed twice to activate this operating mode in an efficiency-optimised version (HYBRID ECO PRO). The coasting function is one of the factors that contributes to a further reduction in fuel consumption.

The technology of the intelligent energy management system has likewise been further optimised. Since this is now linked to the navigation system, the interaction between combustion engine and electric motor can be adapted more precisely to the route and driving situation. In the new BMW 330e Sedan and the new BMW X5 xDrive45e, a control unit that draws on navigation and sensor data is also able to optimise brake energy recuperation efficiency in HYBRID ECO PRO mode. When approaching a junction or a vehicle driving ahead, for example, recuperation can be put to particularly intensive use for the purpose of deceleration.

During the charging process, the fully digital instrument panel provides graphically displayed information on the battery's current charge status and therefore the car’s potential electrically powered range. The graphic display – designed individually for each vehicle – also shows the amperage available at the charge station being used, as well as indicating when the battery is fully charged.

New digital services help make it more attractive and convenient to charge the high-voltage battery when out and about. For example, the navigation system shows the driver nearby hotels, restaurants, cafés and sights or cultural facilities when a public charging station is being selected. Customers are also given a forecast as to the occupation status of charging stations. In addition, BMW enables ChargeNow customers to reserve an enabled charging station for a limited period based on in-car activation.

A distinctive sound created especially for electrified BMW models is used for the purpose of acoustic pedestrian protection, emitted via a speaker system. The sound design in the low speed range radiates a vibrant acoustic presence, though without impairing the acoustic comfort of vehicle occupants.

Munich. BMW presents a particularly contemporary and technologically advanced form of automotive luxury. The extensively advanced plug-in hybrid models of the luxury sedan likewise line up for the start at the market launch of the new BMW 7 Series in spring 2019. They combine the sporty flair, travel comfort and feel-good ambience of the brand’s top models with a particularly high level of efficiency as well as the possibility of enjoying a purely electrically powered, locally emissions-free and virtually noiseless driving experience. This future-oriented driver experience in the luxury performance segment is available in a choice of three model variants: the BMW 745e, the long version BMW 745Le and the BMW 745Le xDrive with extended wheelbase and intelligent all-wheel drive. Their plug-in hybrid system now includes a 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine and a further advanced high-voltage battery with enlarged capacity. Progress vis-à-vis the predecessor models is reflected by a boost in output and torque as well as improved figures for electrically powered range, fuel consumption and CO₂emissions.

With their new drive technology, the BMW 745e, the BMW 745Le and the BMW 745Le xDrive represent the typical character of the luxury sedan more than ever before. Their plug-in hybrid system now includes an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine from the current BMW EfficientDynamics engine family that has been adapted on a model-specific basis to produce a peak output of 210 kW/286 hp and offering unmistakable revving power and running smoothness, an electric motor with a rated output of 83 kW/113 hp and a rated torque of 265 Nm, along with a new lithium-ion battery featuring the very latest battery cell technology and expanded storage capacity. The likewise further advanced power electronics features intelligent energy management for precisely controlled interaction between the two power units and – with activated preview function – efficient assignment of the electrical driving share to those route sections which are to be covered with zero emissions. There is an enhancement of dynamic performance generated by electrical boost and perceptible in a highly spontaneous engine response, as well as an increase in efficiency due to the electrical assist. When the driving experience switch is set to SPORT mode, an overall system output of 290 kW/394 hp is available. For a particularly powerful set-off manoeuvre, it is even possible to draw on a maximum system torque of 600 Nm.

The new drive system gives the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series optimised sprint capacity. The new BMW 745e accelerates in 5.2 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, while the new BMW 745Le takes 5.3 seconds. Meanwhile the new BMW 745Le xDrive reaches the 100 km/h mark from standing in 5.1 seconds. The maximum speed for all three models is electronically cut off at 250 km/h.

The new high-voltage battery for the plug-in hybrid models of the BMW 7 Series now has a gross energy content that has been increased to 12.0 kWh. The increased storage capacity of the lithium-ion battery creates the basis for expanding the share of purely electrically powered, locally emissions-free and virtually noiseless driving in the luxury sedans well beyond the sphere of urban mobility. In HYBRID mode, the new BMW 745e, the new BMW 745Le and the new BMW 745Le xDrive can travel at a speed of up to 110 km/h – 20 km/h faster than the predecessor models – in purely electric mode. The combustion engine is not added until a higher speed is reached requiring a particularly high load. In ELECTRIC mode, the power of the electric motor alone is even sufficient to reach a speed of 140 km/h. The electrically powered range of the new BMW 745e is between 54 and 58 kilometres*, while the new BMW 745Le reaches 52 to 55 kilometres*. The new BMW 745Le xDrive achieves an electrically powered range of 50 to 54 kilometres.

The fuel consumption and exhaust emission figures of the luxury sedans with plug-in hybrid drive have also been further optimised. For the new BMW 745e, a combined fuel consumption was measured of 2.3 to 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres*, a combined power consumption of 15.6 to 15.1 kWh/100 kilometres* and CO₂ emissions of 52 to 48 grams per kilometre. The corresponding figures for the new BMW 745Le are 2.3 to 2.2 litres per 100 kilometres*, 15.7 to 15.6 kWh per 100 kilometres* and 53 to 50 grams pro kilometre*. The new BMW 745Le xDrive reaches a level of 2.6 to 2.3 litres* per 100 kilometres*, 16.3 to 15.8 kWh per 100 kilometres* and 59 to 52 grams per kilometre*.

The electric motor of the plug-in hybrid models is integrated in the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. In braking and coasting phases it acts as a generator, feeding energy into the high-voltage battery by means of recuperation. The lithium-ion battery also serves to power the on-board network. In addition, it energy can be used to run the standard auxiliary air conditioning system. The high-voltage battery is positioned underneath the rear seats, while the 46-litre fuel tank is located above the rear axle. This means that the luggage compartment volume of the plug-in hybrid models is only slightly restricted. What is more, the luggage volume of 420 litres can be expanded as needed by means of the standard 40 : 20 : 40 split and fold function offered by the rear backrests.

The vehicle set-up and operating mode of the drive system can be selected at the press of a button using a joint control panel in the central console. Here, the driving experience switch offers the modes SPORT for a particularly dynamic set-up and ADAPTIVE for a set-up that is geared towards the relevant driving style and situation, as well as the three operating modes HYBRID, ELECTRIC and BATTERY CONTROL. HYBRID mode serves as the standard setting that activates a balanced set-up and optimised interaction between the combustion engine and electric motor. By pressing the HYBRID button twice, this operating mode is activated in an efficiency-optimised version (HYBRID ECO PRO). Driving with a reduced fuel consumption is supported in this mode. The coasting function is one of the factors that contributes to this effect. Here, the electrical boost is only available for kick-down manoeuvres. It also possible to select ELECTRIC mode as the standard setting via the iDrive menu. This mode is for purely electrically powered driving. A distinctive sound created especially for electrified BMW models is used for acoustic pedestrian protection, emitted via a speaker system. The sound design in the low speed range radiates a vibrant acoustic presence though without impairing the acoustic comfort of vehicle occupants.

In SPORT mode, the electric motor is not used on its own but solely in support of the combustion engine. The BATTERY CONTROL setting serves to keep the charge state of the high-voltage battery at a level determined by the driver. When driving on a motorway for example, the power reserves can be saved or even increased to be used later for locally emissions-free driving in town, for example.

The selected operating mode is displayed as part of the new design of the instrument panel, easily and clearly identified by means of the relevant colour. Electric driving continues to be easily recognisable by means of areas marked in blue in the speedometer as well as on the output display/power meter. This also clearly displays the add-on start limits for the combustion engine and the output and speed limits that apply to electrically powered driving. When charging the high-voltage battery, the driver can see all the relevant information in the instrument panel such as charge level and duration, charging current, currently available electrical range and the next departure time selected, as well as the chosen conditioning level. This information can also be clearly seen outside the vehicle.

The exterior design Pure Excellence and the M sports package are available as options for new BMW 745e, the new BMW 745Le and the new BMW 745Le xDrive. All driver assistance systems are likewise available, as is the full range of optional equipment items to enhance comfort and also, with the exception of the Executive Drive Pro option, all the suspension systems of the new BMW 7 Series.

As of summer 2019, new digital services will be available for the plug-in hybrid models of the BMW 7 Series which make charging the high-voltage battery en route even more attractive and convenient. When selecting a public charging station, the navigation system also provides the driver with a list of recommended nearby hotels, restaurants, cafés, tourist attractions and cultural institutions. In addition the customer is provided with a charging station occupancy forecast. BMW also enables ChargeNow customers to reserve a suitable charging station for a limited amount of time directly from their car.

In addition, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant in the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series helps make life easier for the driver. Among things, this includes selecting an interior experience as a combination of seat conditioning, seat massage, interior temperature, fragrance and shading based on specifically defined Experience Modes. The search for parking spaces and charging options is also supported by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.