BMW Australia to launch eDrive program, 330e and X5 xDrive40e in May
BMW Australia will launch its eDrive program in May with the arrival Down Under of the BMW 330e Sedan and X5 xDrive40e.
BMW WILL launch its eDrive program in May when the 330e Sedan and X5 xDrive40e arrive Down Under. The 3 Series and X5 represent BMW’s best-selling model lines. The company said the launch of these vehicles sees the use of plug-in hybrid technology “transferred from the BMW i sub-brand”.
Both vehicles are capable of completing urban commutes exclusively via electric power, with the BMW 330e Sedan possessing a range of 37km, while the BMW X5 xDrive40e can travel up to 31km while generating zero local emissions. The drive system of the BMW X5 xDrive40e comprises a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor integrated with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
Fuelled by a 9kWh lithium ion battery (storage capacity ranges from 500-1720 litres), the electric motor can be topped up with mains electricity from any standard domestic power socket, or more quickly from the BMW i Wallbox, as well as at public charging stations.
The electric motor in the X5 xDrive40e has an output of 83kW and an instantly available 250Nm of torque, while the 2.0 litre petrol engine delivers maximum power of 180kW and 350Nm of torque. Operating in concert, the BMW TwinPower Turbo and eDrive technologies produce 230kW and 450Nm, powering the BMW X5 xDrive40e from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds, while returning a combined fuel consumption figure of 3.3l/100km and carbon emissions figure of 77g/km.
The plug-in hybrid system consists of an electric motor producing 65kW and a peak torque of 250Nm and a four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo combustion engine, which develops 135kW and 290Nm of torque. Producing 185kW and 420Nm when drawing power from both traditional and electric sources, the BMW 330e Sedan accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds, consumes only 2.1l/100km on a combined fuel cycle and emits just 49g/km.
Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Australia, Marc Werner, confirmed the arrival of the plug-in hybrid brand highlights the brand’s future-orientated approach.
“BMW Group been very active in advocating sustainable mobility,” Werner said.
“Our new eDrive models signal a real expansion of this area in Australia and reinforce our commitment to alternative fuel vehicles.”
In terms of servicing, the vehicles operate a Condition Based Servicing arrangement where sensors monitor the vehicle and calculate the conditions in which the vehicle is used including mileage, time elapsed since its last service, fuel consumption and how a vehicle is driven. Based on the information captured, maintenance requirements are determined, identifying whether an annual vehicle inspection or oil service is due. Servicing can be covered by a one-off payment if desired.
