BMW Previews 245PS Plug-In Hybrid Model Based on Facelifted 3-Series

BMW has released details about the upcoming 3-Series Plug-In Hybrid model at the BMW Group Innovation Days 2014. Based on the upcoming facelift of the 3-Series lineup, the plug-in hybrid version combines a four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with an electric motor and an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

BMW says its PHEV offers a similar level of performance as a conventionally powered BMW 3 Series six-cylinder model, while burning significantly less fuel. With a combined output of approximately 245PS (242hp) and maximum combined torque of approximately 400Nm (295lb-ft), the 3-Series Plug-In Hybrid returns just 2 l/100 km (141 mpg UK or 117 mpg US), with corresponding CO2 emissions of 50 g/km.

In all-electric mode, the prototype can reach a top speed of 120 km/h (74.5 mph), and has a driving range of approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles). Compared with a conventionally powered BMW 3 Series Sedan, the 3-Series Plug-In Hybrid has only a minimal reduction in boot space, while the interior configuration possibilities are unchanged.

Alongside the 3-Series Plug-In Hybrid, BMW is also showcasing the Power eDrive technology on a 5-Series GT demonstrator vehicle. The prototype is part of the automaker’s efforts to maximize the amount of time its future plug-in hybrid vehicles will spend in electric mode. BMW calls this type of vehicle a “highly electrified” hybrid concept model. Future BMW PHEVs will feature significantly higher-powered electric motors and batteries with twice the capacity of present versions.

In these plug-in hybrid vehicles of the future, the Power eDrive electric drive system will account for approximately two thirds of the vehicle’s combined output, with the TwinPower Turbo internal combustion engine accounting for the remaining third.

Drive components will offer combined outputs in excess of 500kW (670hp), while the capacity of the lithium-ion batteries (up to 20 kWh) will be greatly improved. As a consequence, BMW says its future PHEVs will feature all-electric driving ranges of up to 100 km (62 miles).