Fast plug-in BMW 545e xDrive details revealed
German car-maker announces 4.7 second 0-100km/h time and 53km electric-only range for flagship plug-in hybrid version of updated 5 SeriesBMW has published specifications and performance data for its new 5 Series flagship, the plug-in hybrid 545e xDrive variant, a car that’s powered by an electrified 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine.
Alone, the powerful 3.0-litre six produces a punchy 210kW but in the 545e it is assisted by an 80kW electric motor and a 12kWh battery.
Combined, the total engine output for the all-wheel drive 545e is a muscular 290kW and 600Nm – enough to propel the 545e to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds and on to a limited 250km/h.
With the demise of the i8 Coupe and Spyder, that makes the 545e the fastest plug-in hybrid BMW makes.
Impressive, considering BMW claims this level of performance is combined with a pure-electric range of up to 53km and the ability to average 1.7-2.4L/100km.
That translates to the plug-in hybrid 545e being classified as an ultra-low emission vehicle with its CO2 rating of 38-54g/km (depending on spec).
Based on the recently facelifted 5 Series, the new 545e benefits from the same cosmetic and tech upgrades as the rest of the range. That includes new slimline LED lamps all-round, a tweaked grille and overhauled infotainment system.
With the launch of the 545e, BMW now predicts that by 2023 half of its sales in the European market will be electrified vehicles.
Despite that, BMW says it will continue to develop and refine its internal combustion engines.
A fresh feature introduced in the new 545e is tech that enables the BMW sedan to recognise when it's in urban or built-up areas. The geo-fencing technology has been designed to switch the 545e into pure-EV mode to cut harmful localised pollution.
BMW Australia has announced local pricing and specifications for the facelifted BMW 5 Series officially revealed in May.
Pricing for the six-variant 2021 BMW 5 Series line-up, which is set to touch down this November, now starts at $95,900 (plus on-road costs) for the entry-level BMW 520i. That's $5000 more than before.
It’s thought the 545e will join the line-up early in 2021; prices will be announced closer to its launch.
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