BMW’s new iPerformance plug-in hybrid vehicles will be on display at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the media on November 16-17 and to the general public on November 18-27. They all apply eDrive technology sourced from the BMW i sub-brand, also to be featured in L.A.
First, the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance is the German automaker’s flagship plug-in hybrid model, combining the luxury of the BMW 7 Series with the benefits of electric, locally emission-free mobility. It uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine and an electric motor integrated into an 8-speed Steptronic transmission to generate a total of 322 horsepower. A range of about 22 kilometres and a top speed of 140 km/h are possible in EV mode.
Next up, the BMW 330e iPerformance adds a plug-in hybrid drive system to the world’s best-selling premium car, the BMW 3 Series. Here, the combination of the 2.0L 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine with an electric motor results in a system output of 248 horsepower. Purely electric driving is possible at speeds up to 120 km/h with a range of approximately 22 kilometres.
Finally, look for the same exact hybrid powertrain and EV range in the BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance crossover. The key difference―aside from extra cargo capacity, of course―is the 308 horsepower.
Right now, only the 330e and X5 xDrive40e have been announced for Canada.
In related news, immediately prior to press days at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, the company will announce updates for its BMW ChargeForward pilot program in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, which will explore new smart charging functionality and renewable energy integration to determine which features provide the greatest benefits to both EV drivers and to the grid.