Plug-in hybrid BMW 3 Series coming soon
Many a manufacturer has announced their intentions of bringing hybrid technology into more affordable segments, making the technology associated with it more accessable, while also helping to bring costs down via mass production. BMW has revealed a prototype version of its upcoming 3 Series plug-in hybrid. Mating a four-cylinder turbo petrol motor to an electric motor located on the rear axle, the combined hybrid system has an output of 241bhp and 400Nm, delivered to the rear wheels. Compared to the 328i, that comes with an inline-four 2.0-litre turbo petrol, the plug-in hybrid puts out 50Nm of torque more, though the amount of horses produced is the same.
BMW’s eight-speed auto ‘box delivers the combined power to the rear wheels, and helps to reduce fuel consumption by nearly 130 per cent to a claimed 49.56kmpl. CO2 emmisions (not really a consideration in India, though tax systems in the UK differ) have drastically reduced as well, from 149g/km in the 328i, to 50g/km for the plug-in hybrid. BMW claims an all-electric top speed of 118kmph, and an all-electric range of 35km.
While performance figures haven’t been revealed as yet, we can expect acceleration to be a little more exciting thanks to the instant torque produced by the electric motor. However, the addition of the hybrid powertrain in the form of the motor, lithium-ion battery, its management and cooling system, will result in a definite increase in weight, hamperinng handling. The hybrid powertrain has been mounted in a ‘crash-safe’ position under the load compartment which only results in ‘a minimal reduction of boot space’.
Similar to driver settings found on regular BMWs, the 3 Series pug-in hybrid gets a Driving Experience Control switch mounted on the centre console, which allows for different engine set-ups. Different hybrid modes can be selected including ‘MAX eDrive mode’ which provides all-electric, zero emission propulsion. ‘SAVE Battery’ mode charges the battery if it dips below 50 per cent, allowing drivers to reserve battery until it can be used efficiently.
An energy management system has been provided, called the Proactive Driving Assistant, which uses the navigation system to control and manage the way in which the battery is used. The Proactive Driving Assistant creates strategies for efficient engine use by monitering upcoming route, speed restrictions and traffic conditions.
With the iconic i3 and the energising i8 having been established as BMW’s flagship hybrid vehicles, it is good to see that the technology has trickled down. BMW will also be using the technology on other cars in its range as the integration of hybrid systems has been considered at all stages in the development of new models.
There are also a few hints that suggest the usage of multiple electric motors per car, combined with a turbocharged petrol mill playing a supporting roll (as a range extender), which could put power figures in the 600bhp area. While the Mini sub-brand should definitely benefit from the new four-pot hybrids, the new multi-motor engines could potentially make way for a four-pot hybrid Rolls-Royce.
