BMW eDrive plug-in hybrid X5 and 3 Series pricing announced

The new plug-in hybrid pairing models are said to "reinforce BMW’s commitment to sustainable mobility by offering a plug-in hybrid alternative within the brand’s two highest-selling model ranges". But there are no massive premiums to pay compared with similarly-equipped conventional versions of the 3 Series and X5.

The two models are designed to offer buyers a means of travelling the majority of their commute on electricity only, with the $71,900 (plus on-road costs) BMW 330e sedan model claiming electric range of 37 kilometres, while the heavier, all-wheel-drive BMW X5 xDrive40e SUV (from $118,900) has a claimed range of 31km.

Both models use four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines as their mainstays.

The 330e produces a claimed 185kW and 420Nm when using petrol and electric sources, returning a 0-100km/h sprint of 6.1 seconds while claiming consumption of only 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

The electric motor in the 330e produces 65kW and 250Nm, while the engine pumps out 135kW/290Nm.

The X5 xDrive40e pairs its four-cylinder turbo engine with a synchronous electric motor integrated with the eight-speed automatic transmission. That motor is powered by a 9kWh lithium-ion battery, and it sits under the boot floor - BMW claims the space is "largely undiminished" with 500 litres of space available, but that's 150L less than the regular model.

The combined output of the engine and electric motor is 230kW and 450Nm, which BMW claims can enable the vehicle to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 6.8sec, with fuel use claimed at only 3.3L/100km.

The X5's electric motor produces 83kW and 250Nm, while the petrol engine churns out 180kW/350Nm.

The X5 xDrive40e will compete against the likes of the Range Rover Sport Hybrid and Porsche Cayenne S-E Hybrid.

Recharging for both models is said to take four hours from a standard powerpoint, or two hours from the higher-output BMW i-Wallbox.

The German maker is offering the plug-in hybrid models in similar specification levels to their regular petrol and diesel counterparts. As such, the standard equipment lists are lengthy and the price premium is quite low.

In fact, the X5 xDrive40d and X5 xDrive40e are priced identically to one another, and the BMW 330e is just $2000 more than the 330i entry-level model. And both plug-in hybrid models feature a system called Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians that emits a external noise when the car is in EV mode at low speeds.

Servicing for these models is covered by BMW's condition-based servicing system that uses sensors and algorithms to advise the driver when the car should next be serviced.

BMW offers a pre-purchase service program, BMW Service Inclusive, that can cover associated costs.

Pricing (plus on-road costs):
BMW 330e sedan - $71,900
BMW xDrive40e SUV - $118,900

BMW 330e standard equipment:
19-inch light alloy wheels
Eight-speed automatic transmission with gearshift paddles
Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians
ConnectedDrive Services, including Real Time Traffic Information, Intelligent Emergency Call, TeleServices, Remote Services and eDrive Services
Cruise control with braking function
Driving Assistant, including: Approach Control Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Pedestrian Warning with light city braking activation
Head-up display
Lane change warning
Front and rear parking sensors
Reverse-view camera
Surround view including top view and side view
LED headlights
Lights Package
LED taillights
Electric seat adjustment for front seats with memory function
Sport leather steering wheel
Stationary cooling
DAB+ Digital Radio
8.8-inch Navigation system
Sport or Luxury Line
Leather upholstery

BMW X5 xDrive40e standard equipment:
19-inch light alloy wheels
Eight-speed automatic transmission with gearshift paddles
Adaptive suspension package ‘Comfort’ with Dynamic Damper Control
Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians
ConnectedDrive Services, including Real Time Traffic Information, Intelligent Emergency Call, TeleServices, Internet, Concierge Services, Remote Services and eDrive Services
Cruise control with braking function
Driving Assistant, including: Approach Control Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Pedestrian Warning with light city braking activation
Head-up display
Front and rear parking sensors
Reverse-view camera
Surround View including top view and side view
Adaptive bi-xenon headlights with auto high beam
Lights Package
Automatic tailgate operation
Comfort Access
Electric sport seats seat adjustment with memory function for driver’s side
Sport leather steering wheel
Stationary cooling
Storage compartment package
Convenience telephony with extended Smartphone connectivity
DAB+ Digital Radio
Harman/Kardon Surround Sound system
10.25-inch Navigation system, Professional
Leather upholstery
Instrument panel finished in leather

MORE: BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid revealed
MORE: BMW 330e revealed as part of updated range
MORE: BMW Australia to expand electric footprint