BMW announced the official UK market launch and pricing of their latest plug-in hybrid models, the 330e and the 225xe.
The new BMW 330e starts from £33,935 in the UK and is available now. The plug-in petrol-electric variant of the 3-Series combines the turbocharged 184PS 2.0-litre engine with an 88PS electric motor for a combined output of 252PS and a peak torque of 420Nm (310lb ft).
On the other hand, the BMW 225xe uses the three-pot, turbocharged 136PS 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with an 88PS electric motor mounted on the back, responsible for driving only the rear wheels. This makes the 225xe effectively a 4WD model with a combined 224PS and 385Nm (284lb ft) of torque.
The 225xe’s hybrid powertrain will keep us busy for the near future as BMW plans to install it not only in the X1 crossover but also in various Mini models too. The BMW 225xe has an electric-only range of up to 25 miles (40km) and a fuel economy of 141.2 mpg UK combined with a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds.
The BMW 330e returns a combined 148.7mpg UK and CO2 emissions from 44g/km. Zero to 62mph comes in just 6.1 seconds and onto to a top speed of 140mph, yet it remains able of travelling up to 25 miles also on electric power only.
The 225xe has already been cleared for the UK Government’s Plug in Car Grant which knocks £5,000 off the asking price, with the 330e also expected to be eligible for it. BMW’s plug-in range will be completed next year with the arrival of the 740e and 740Le xDrive.
Customers of the new BMW 330e can order their cars now, with the first deliveries expected in April 2016 while the 225xe will be available from March.
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