BMW Launches New 2021 320e And 520e Entry-Level Plug-In Hybrids With 201 HP

BMW has expanded its plug-in hybrid family with the introduction of two new versions of the 3- and 5-Series.

Named the 320e and 520e respectively, they are available in both Sedan and Touring body styles and will hit European markets in March.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine rated at 163 PS (161 HP / 120 kW), and an electric motor, for a total system output of 204 PS (201 HP / 150 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The powertrain is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear- or all-wheel drive.

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The 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration takes 7.6 seconds in the 320e Sedan and 7.9 seconds in the 320e Touring, with the former reaching a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph) and the latter maxing out at 220 km/h (137 mph). The 320e xDrive Touring needs 8.2 seconds for the sprint and tops out at 219 km/h (136 mph). The 520e Sedan and 520e Touring hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 and 8.2 seconds respectively, and have a maximum speed of 225 km/h (140 mph) and 218 km/h (135 mph).

All can run up to a speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) in all-electric mode, with a WLTP range of 48-57 km (30-35 miles) for the 320e Sedan, 46-54 km (29-34 miles) for the 320e Touring, 41-55 km (25-34 miles) for the 520e Sedan and 45-51 km (28-32 miles) for the 520e Touring.

Mounted under the rear seats, the 12 kWh battery, with a 34 Ah capacity, can be charged with up to 3.7 kW, needing 2.6 hours from 0 to 80 percent and 3.6 hours for a full charge.

The fuel tank holds 40 liters (10.5 gallons) in the new 320e and 46 liters (12.2 gallons) in the 520e, and the cargo capacity behind the rear seats is 375 liters (13.2 cu-ft) in the 320e Sedan, 410 liters (14.5 cu-ft) in the 520e Sedan, 410 liters (14.5 liters) in the 320e Touring and 430 liters (15.2 cu-ft) in the 520e Touring.

Standard gear includes the BMW Live Cockpit Plus, with the Connected Package Professional, which allows drivers to use the company’s numerous digital services, air conditioning, auxiliary heating and pre-conditioned cabin via the dedicated smartphone app.