BMW 3, X3 and Х4 diesels become mild hybrids

Starting this spring, all BMW 3 Series, X3 and X4 equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo diesel engines will ship upgraded to mild hybrids. A new 48-volt engine starter will assist them during the initial start and replace the old start/stop system.

The electric add-on will be installed on the BMW 320d, 320d xDrive, X3 xDrive20d, and X4 xDrive20d. It will enable faster acceleration and make it possible to turn off the main engine when moving under 15 km/h (9.3 mph) or coasting under 160 km/h (99 mph). Fuel consumption is only expected to shrink by 0.5%, with the 320d consuming 4 to 4.1 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers traveled, the 320d xDrive between 4.2 and 4.3 liters, and the X3 xDrive20d and X4 xDrive20d between 4.8 and 5.1 liters.

In addition to the above, the BMW 3 Series will receive a new modification called the 318i. It will incorporate a 2.0-liter turbo-four gasoline engine rated at 156 hp (116 kW) and 250 Nm (186 lb-ft), mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 318i sedan/saloon will sprint 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and the estate/wagon in 8.7. The top speed will be close to 220 km/h (130 mph) for both.