BMW Plug-In Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) has a combustion engine and an electric motor that can be recharged via a cable. Both are able to propel the vehicle independently or in combination.

Plug-in Hybrid vehicles combine a conventional combustion engine with an electric motor. Intelligent interplay between the two enables a saving in fuel to be achieved, lowers exhaust emissions and provides an exceptional driving sensation. On journeys up to approx. 30mph, a plug-in hybrid generally runs on pure electric power provided it makes sense, such as in urban areas. For maximum efficiency in different driving situations, such as longer journeys or rapid acceleration, it uses the combined power of the electric motor and combustion engine. If the battery which powers the electric motor has no charge, the vehicle will solely use the combustion engine.

The electric range of a plug-in hybrid vehicle depends on the size of the battery. In the case of BMW, the maximum electric range is between 26 and 54 miles*, depending on the model. The overall range through the combination with the combustion engine is of course significantly higher.

*These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. Plug in hybrid vehicles require mains electricity for charging.

Using a standard charging cable, plug-in hybrid vehicles can be charged from a conventional 3-pin socket. For a faster charge, you can also use a charging station or a wallbox. The BP Pulse wallbox is equipped with its own charging cable. For public charging stations, you need what is known as a “public AC charging cable” with the “Type 2” plug on both ends, this is included as standard on all BMW plug-in hybrid models from April 2020. A further method of charging is through the use of high-power charging (HPC) stations, such as those of IONITY. Often known as ‘rapid charging’, at present these stations are only compatible with what are known as CCS plugs, which currently are not compatible with BMW plug-in hybrids. In addition, a plug-in hybrid can also obtain part of its charge via recuperation.

Yes, it can. A BMW plug-in hybrid can regain part of its energy when braking (recuperation). Whilst the most efficient way to charge your plug-in hybrid is at home or from a charging point, charging can also take place during the journey with the function known as Battery Control Mode. This mode maintains the charge of the high-voltage battery constantly at the desired level or increases it to the preset value, by having the electric motor function as a generator. In this way, for example, it is possible to use Battery Control Mode during a motorway journey to protect or even increase the electric power reserves so that a subsequent urban route can be covered without any local emissions.

A plug-in hybrid vehicle has a lower electric range than an electric car but a greater overall range. Assuming the vehicle is sufficiently charged, the purely electric range of BMW plug-in hybrids lies between approx. 26 and 54 miles*, depending on the model. For most everyday users, this is entirely sufficient when the range from the combustion engine is added. The purely electric range of the BMW i3 currently extends up to 188 miles, an everyday range that will be increased to approximately 250 miles^ with the BMW iX3.

*These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. Plug in hybrid vehicles require mains electricity for charging.

^These are provisional values.

New BMW plug-in hybrids come with Anticipatory hybrid mode. Using BMW Navigation with Real Time Traffic Information, it automatically selects the optimum power source depending on the journey and the traffic conditions. However, drivers can change this manually using the eDrive buttons on the centre console.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles offer cost savings when it comes to recharging (in comparison to refueling), but this depends on energy tariffs and through Benefit in Kind (BIK) rates. For example, the X5 xDrive45e qualifies for the new 6% threshold BIK rate, which comes into effect in April 2020. However, there are various costs involved with car ownership, maintenance, and purchase (Plug-in Hybrids tend to be higher in cost compared to the equivalent Internal Combustion Engines models) – so any cost savings do depend on the use of the vehicle.

Yes, BMW plug-in hybrid models are available in M Sport trim.