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BMW reveals plug-in model range details
Date: 13 November 2015 | Author:
BMW has begun a plug-in hybrid push, confirming five petrol-electric machines. Available over the next 12 months, all will be able to run solely on electric power.
Most frugal is the 330e saloon, which goes on sale in April and emits 44g/km of CO2, meaning BIK of just 7% under 2016/2017 tax year company car rates. Despite a claimed 148.7mpg figure, it will boast 330i-matching power, meaning a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds. It can also cover up to 25 miles on electricity alone.
With the 330e eligible for the £5000 Plug-in Car Grant, it should undercut the similarly powerful 330i petrol, with prices from £28,935 after the grant, compared with £34,305 for the cheapest automatic version of the 330i petrol. Consequently, the 330e is "going to be huge as a fleet car", said a BMW Group spokesman.
Despite the pairing of a petrol engine and an electric motor, Mark Costello, BMW 3-series product manager, claimed: "The 330e is not going to be for everyone; for instance, those who travel very long distances may be better off in a 320d if we look at consumption. However, for those with shorter journeys, or for in and around town, we predict that this car is going to be a very popular model."
Due in March 2016 is the 225xe Active Tourer, with 46g/km emissions and 141.2mpg economy. Prices start at £30,005 (after the £5000 grant), with the 225xe able to sprint to 62mph in 6.7 seconds and travel at speeds of up to 78mph on electricity alone.
The hybrid 7-series, which goes on sale next summer, will feature a 2.0-litre petrol motor and an electric motor (740e), with the long-wheelbase model (740Le xDrive) gaining four-wheel drive and falling out of the sub-50g/km 7% BIK band to the 11% band. The plug-in hybrid X5, which launched this month, emits 77g/km of CO2 - warranting 13% BIK - with an economy figure of 85.6mpg.
