BMW announces pricing for plug-in X5 and 3 Series

BMW's plug-in hybrid variants of its core 3 Series and X5 models will arrive in Australia from May – right around the time Mercedes-Benz is expected to launch its C 350 e plug-in hybrid.

Priced at the figure of $71,900 announced today, the BMW 330e could undercut the Mercedes C 350 e by as much as $13,000 – depending on how Benz can slice and dice the price from the factory.

The X5 xDrive40e, priced at $118,900, will be over $21,000 less than the conceptually similar Porsche Cayenne S e-Hybrid.

In a press release issued today, BMW reiterated its 'commitment to remaining at the forefront of sustainable mobility' with the plug-in variants. According to the prestige brand, the 330e can travel up to 37km in electric mode, and the X5 xDrive40e is good for 31km of EV range.

BMW claims it has equipped both plug-in variants to broadly match the pricing and specification of conventional variants in each respective model range – essentially offering a car with all the extra EV drivetrain gear and battery pack at no extra cost.

Standard features for the 330e include Acoustic Protection for pedestrians, ConnectedDrive eDrive Services, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, head-up display, DAB+ digital radio, Driving Assistant, parking Assistant, Surround View and Comfort Access. Features bundled together under the umbrella of Driving Assistant include Approach Control Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Pedestrian Warning with light city braking activation. Other standard equipment for the 3 Series plug-in comprise: Cruise control with braking function, Lane Change Warning, front/rear parking sensors, reversing camera, lights package, LED tail lights, electric seat adjustment for front seats with memory function, sport leather steering wheel, stationary cooling, 8.8-inch Navigation system Professional and leather upholstery. Buyers can opt for the 330e in either Sport or Luxury Line trim.

The X5 xDrive40e also comes with Acoustic Protection for pedestrians, ConnectedDrive eDrive Services, 19-inch alloy wheels, DAB+ digital radio, Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant, Surround View and Comfort Access. But the petrol/electric X5 also features as standard bi-xenon headlights with High Beam Assist, Comfort adaptive suspension with Dynamic Damper Control, leather-trimmed dash, Harman/Kardon surround sound system and auto tailgate.

Additionally, the X5 plug-in comes as standard with cruise control (with braking function), front/rear parking sensors, reversing camera, lights package, leather-trimmed electric sports seats with memory function for the driver's seat, sport leather steering wheel, stationary cooling, storage compartment package, extended smartphone connectivity and 10.25-inch Navigation system Professional.

Acoustic Protection is an artificial noise generated by the plug-in vehicle at speeds up to 30km/h to alert pedestrians of the vehicle's approach. The eDrive Services is basically an additional module of ConnectedDrive services specifically for plug-in owners and comprising information concerning charging station locations, battery charge status, vehicle range and charging timer set-up.

Both cars drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the electric motor located between the petrol engine – both 2.0-litre four-cylinder 'TwinPower' units – and the transmission.

The X5's engine produces 180kW and 350Nm, supplemented in emergency situations by the 83kW electric motor – with 250Nm available – for a combined output of 230kW and 450Nm. BMW claims that with petrol and electric drive units operating the X5 xDrive40e will sprint to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds from a standing start. Combined-cycle consumption is 3.3L/100km and the CO2 emissions are rated at 77g/km.

The electric motor draws its power from a 9kWh lithium ion battery under the boot floor of the X5, and luggage capacity – at 500 litres with the seats raised – is little diminished from the conventional vehicle's boot space, the prestige importer says.

In contrast, the 330e produces 135kW and 290Nm from its petrol engine and 65kW/250Nm from the electric motor. Together the two generate 185kW and 420Nm for a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds and combined-cycle fuel consumption of 2.1L/100km (49g/km).

Mounted under the boot floor like the X5's, the 330e's battery is a 7.6kWh lithium-ion unit. Access to the boot via the triple-split folding rear seat is unimpeded and the boot capacity is 370 litres. In keeping with other plug-in hybrids, both the 330e and X5 xDrive40e can be recharged by the petrol engine on the move, or from a domestic power supply. BMW also offers buyers its i Wallbox product for faster charging, and both cars can be recharged at public charging stations. Braking energy is also be recoverable, to keep the battery charged longer.

"Following the success of BMW i, we are delighted to welcome the expansion of our hybrid and electric program with the launch of the 330e and X5 xDrive40e," said Shawn Ticehurst, Head of Product and Market Planning at BMW Australia.

"Our eDrive models will introduce BMW EfficientDynamics and hybrid technology to a whole new audience, continuing our ongoing commitment to sustainable mobility," Ticehurst was quoted as saying in the press release.

"Many drivers will be able to complete their daily commute exclusively on electric power, recharging their car by plugging into a normal power point at home or work."