BMW plug-in pricing revealed

BMW Australia has priced its plug-in hybrid 3 Series and X5 models in line with the equivalent internal combustion variants.

The plug-in pair go on sale in May and are the first models to gain the petrol-electric powertrains in the BMW range, ahead of a wider roll out in the coming years.

BMW's 330e offers standard specification in line with the 330i, and is priced from $71,900 plus on-road costs, or $2000 more than the more traditionally powered sedan.

The X5 xDrive40e takes its spec list from the $118,900 xDrive40d and matches its price tag.

There are not many direct rivals in terms of plug-in hybrids for the pair, but Audi is expected to launch its Q7 e-tron in Australia this year and while pricing is a while off, it is likely to be more than the $103,900 Q7 TDI available now.

Volvo's XC90 T8 plug-in is also on its way Down Under, but pricing has not been confirmed.

The 330e has more rivals but they are mild hybrids without a plug-in system, including the Lexus IS300h ($60,000-$79,000), the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid ($67,900-$73,400) and Mercedes' C300 Hybrid from $71,900 – the same price as the 330e.

Although it is smaller, some buyers looking for green tech could also cross shop with the Audi A3 e-tron that went on sale last year and is offered from $62,490.

Both the electrified X5 and 3 Series feature Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians which generates a artificial sound at speeds of up to 30km/h to ensure pedestrians can hear the car coming, as well as eDrive Services which allows users to search for charging stations as well as seeing the battery charge level and vehicle range.

The pair also feature an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, cruise control with autonomous braking function, 19-inch light alloy wheels, head-up display, Driving Assistant with Approach Control Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Pedestrian Warning with light city braking activation, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, surround view, DAB+ digital radio and leather upholstery.

Mirroring the 330i standard gear, the 330e also gets ConnectedDrive Services with Real Time Traffic Information, Intelligent Emergency Call, TeleServices, Remote Services and eDrive Services, LED headlights and tail-lights, a lights package, electric front seats with memory function, sport leather steering wheel, 8.8-inch Navigation Professional system and it is offered in Sport or Luxury line.

The X5 xDriev40e gains adaptive bi-Xenon headlights with High Beam Assist, and auto tailgate, Comfort Access, electric sports seats with memory function on driver's side, sport leather steering wheel a storage compartment package, Harmon/Kardon surround sound system, leather instrument panel and 10.3-inch Navigation Professional system.

BMW Group Australia head of product and market planning Shawn Ticehurst highlighted the benefits of the car-maker's eDrive technology.

“Following the success of BMW i, we are delighted to welcome the expansion of our hybrid and electric program with the launch of the 330e and X5 xDrive40e,” he said.

“Our eDrive models will introduce BMW EfficientDynamics and hybrid technology to a whole new audience, continuing our ongoing commitment to sustainable mobility.

“Many drivers will be able to complete their daily commute exclusively on electric power, recharging their car by plugging into a normal power point at home or work.” As previously reported, the X5 uses a TwinPower 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with an output of 180kW/350Nm, combined with an 83kW/250Nm electric motor drawing power from a 9kWh lithium-ion battery for a total output of 230kW/450Nm, and a fuel use figure of 3.3 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.

The 330e has a total output of 185kW/420Nm and consumes 2.1L/100km.

2016 BMW eDrive pricing*
330e (a)	$71,900
X5 xDrive40e (a)	$118,900

*Excludes on-road costs