BMW 3 and 5 Series get new hybrid versions

BMW already has plenty of part-electric cars on its lineup, including the 330e/330e xDrive, 530e/530e xDrive, and 545e xDrive (see video). The list expands now with the introduction of the more affordable 320e/320e xDrive and 520e.

Both come equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine and an electric motor joining efforts for 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles the momentum in both cases. The 320e sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in between 7.6 and 8.2 seconds depending on body style (sedan/saloon or estate/wagon) and drive type (FWD/AWD). The top speed lies at 219 – 225 km/h (136 – 140 mph). The 520e always has a rear-wheel drive configuration, sprints in 7.9 – 8.2 seconds and maxes out between 218 and 225 km/h (135 – 140 mph).

A 12-kWh lithium-ion battery is used in all cases, granting the 320e between 52 and 62 km of all-electric range. The 320e xDrive Touring wagon gets 46 – 57 km out of it, the 5 Series sedan 52 – 57 km, and the 5 Series wagon 53 – 61 km. Charging occurs with the help of a 3.7kW charger device. Replenishing 80% of the battery takes slightly over two and a half hours even with the fastest current source, while a full charge takes an hour longer still. WLTP-rated petrol consumption varies between 1.3 and 2.2 liters per 100 km for the 3 Series, and between 1.3 and 1.9 liters for the 5 Series.

Prices in Germany begin at €47,450 for a BMW 320e sedan. Set aside €49,000 if you want a wagon instead and be prepared to hand over €51,500 for an all-wheel-drive 320e Touring xDrive. State subsidies reach as high as €6,750 for certain cars in certain specs.

The 520e sedan starts at €53,700 and the wagon at €55,900, while the state discount can reach €5,625.

BMW expects to have 25 electrified models on offer by 2025.