BMW hybrids: PHEVs
BMW 3 Series PHEV
Crowned by some motoring journalists as ‘the king of the PHEVs’, due to its long PHEV battery range, and XtraBoost (which combines petrol/electric power to boost bhp for short bursts), the 330e is highly rated as one of the best BMW hybrids, for its performance and feel-good factor.
The handsome model has up to 41 miles of battery-only range, and up to 289bhp, with 0-62mph in a rampant 5.9 seconds. Great to drive, with the undeniable tax advantages of a plug-in.
BMW 5 Series PHEV
This punchy PHEV offers everything you’d expect from a 5 Series, plus excellent CO2 emissions. With a pure-electric range of up to 37 miles, very low running costs, and BMW ingenuity and style, this is a class champion in the executive sector.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options are the four-cylinder 530e, which is available in both rear and four-wheel drive layouts, plus the newer and more powerful 545e xDrive, which has a six-cylinder petrol engine.
As ever, it’s low C02 emissions that will push company-car drivers towards the PHEV models, as they qualify for the Benefit-in-Kind tax breaks. Both of the four-cylinder 530e models emit just 31-41g/km, while the punchier 545e records 39-43g/km, meaning both PHEV models are in a much lower tax bracket than the 520d diesel.
The PHEV models are fast, too. With power provided by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor producing a combined 249bhp, the 530e will get from 0-62mph in a brisk 6.1 seconds, while its top speed is 146mph.
BMW 7 Series PHEV
The BMW 7 Series PHEV benefits from improved performance and electric driving range from its predecessor. The electric motor and battery pack return an increased pure-electric range of up to 36 miles, along with a powerful twin-turbocharged straight-six engine that’s befitting for such a luxurious model.
The 7 Series plug-in hybrid has emissions of less than 60g/km, while offering 0-62mph in five seconds, and speeds up to 155mph. All the while, back seat passengers will be able to enjoy unruffled calm within an opulent interior.
BMW X1 PHEV
The BMW X1 family SUV that’s available as a plug-in hybrid is the xDrive 25e, which offers seriously low CO2 emissions with a claimed pure electric range of up to 31 miles.
It’s great to drive, in fact it’s the fastest X1 you can buy (so don’t think that a PHEV dampens performance, indeed they can add to it). And in an independent test it sprinted to 60mph from a standstill in just 6.0 seconds, and also managed 20 miles of pure-electric driving, while being put to the test. So, it’s both remarkably practical, and rather fun too.
BMW X2 PHEV
The BMW X2 plug-in hybrid variant – the xDrive25e – has a 1.5-litre straight three-cylinder engine that combines with an electric motor to output 162 kW (220hp) of power, and produces up to 385 Nm of torque. It also operates on an all-wheel-drive system, thus the use of ‘xDrive’ in its naming structure. Meaning it has plenty of capability.
Meanwhile the X2 xDrive25e M Sport X version has a claimed all-electric range of 31-32 miles, and a WLTP consumption combined figure of 156.9-166.2 mpg, that emits 31-39 g/km of CO2 emissions. Meaning it has plenty of efficiency, too.
BMW X3 PHEV
Many plug-in hybrids come at a premium when compared to their combustion-powered alternatives on price, but the BMW X3 xDrive30e makes total sense for both private buyers and company car users. It’s within a couple of hundred quid of the similarly-performing 3.0-litre diesel, and although the hybrid’s practicality is slightly compromised, the savings in running costs are potentially huge. All the while it maintains the typical X3 strengths of comfort, build quality and tech.
It offers a 181bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, that’s connected to a 108bhp electric motor, for a combined total of 288bhp. Drive is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. So, there’s plenty of punch. While the 12kWh lithium-ion battery allows 29 miles on a charge, while a 50-litre fuel tank adds a few hundred miles extra on longer trips, with a combined emissions figure of 48g/km CO2. Another excellent choice, especially for low upfront cost.
BMW X5 PHEV
The BMW X5 plug-in hybrid – the BMW X5 45e – has an impressively beefy 24kWh battery, that can provide a very impressive electric range of up to 50 miles or just over. For a full-size SUV, that’s very good, and far better than a Volvo XC90, which does half that.
And the X5 45e, which offers a satisfyingly low 41g/km CO2, isn’t just about electric range and eco-credentials. It offers a 394bhp, 0-62 in 5.6s, and a max speed of 146mph. It’s smooth, punchy and transitions nicely from electric to petrol, meaning there are no awkward pauses or glitches between the two, so that most of the time you won’t be able to tell which system is pushing you. A real peach of a PHEV.
BMW hybrids: mild hybrids
BMW 4 Series
The BMW 4 Series is more than just a 3 Series in a sharp suit. The 4 Series offers enhanced handling and more economical mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines than its predecessors.
The 4 Series Coupe and Convertible, were joined by the latest 4 Series Gran Coupe. In this incarnation, both petrol and diesel options come with mild-hybrid technology and an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox as standard.
The range-topping M440i xDrive offers a total of 369bhp. And unless you were told you wouldn’t know there’s an electric motor in the mix, which helps to perform some of the heavy lifting. It has seamless power delivery, across a wide rev range, making overtaking effortless whatever the speed.
BMW 8 Series
The BMW 8 Series is a luxurious cruiser, with superb handing on corners. The 8 Series Coupe Mild Hybrid comes as a 3.0-litre straight-six mild-hybrid diesel, badged 840d, with 335bhp and a hefty 680Nm of torque, that does 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds.
A handsome beast, with unquestionable capability. While the convertible and 4-door Gran Coupe offer very similar and impressive stats to suit your style.
Find the BMW that’s right for you
These are just a modest selection of the BMW PHEVs and mild hybrids on offer. Explore the model page to find more.
Find your perfect hybrid
Using our EV finder tool, you can select whether you want a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or a mild hybrid, along with the sizes and specifications that suit you. There are lots of options to choose from, so let our tool help you to whittle down your choices, and then explore the stats on each model page, and book a test drive, or request a quote, for any model that you’re interested in.