BMW’s PHEV compact MPV was unveiled in prototype form last July and now, it’s here in full production guise. The BMW 225xe Active Tourer Plug-in hybrid, as it’s called, will be heading to the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. But here’s some electrifying details of the German brand’s newest hybrid MPV – it has a little bit of a BMW i8 underneath.
It features BMW’s latest eDrive technology, pairing the same B38 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine found in the 218i Active Tourer and i8 hybrid coupe and an electric motor incorporated into the rear axle. It’s basically the i8’s basic layout, just mirrored.
The 134 hp/220 Nm petrol engine powers the front wheels through a six-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox, while the 87 hp electric motor is connected to the rear wheels via a two-speed transmission. Both combined, and the MPV has a healthy 221 hp and 385 Nm of torque. The 225xe Active Tourer gets to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 202 km/h.
Depending on the driving mode selected, the 225xe Active Tourer can run in front-, rear- of all-wheel drive. The three modes are MAX eDrive, AUTO eDrive and Save Battery. Selecting MAX eDrive mode will have the vehicle running on pure electricity at speeds of up to 125 km/h.
In AUTO eDrive mode, its top speed is limited to 80 km/h in full EV mode, for a maximum range of 41 km. The car then uses GPS data to determine as to whether to combine both the petrol and electric duo or stay on pure electric energy for optimum efficiency. The Save Battery mode, meanwhile, works to replenish the battery through the deployment of the petrol engine, conserving the power for use later on in the journey.
Claimed fuel consumption for the 225xe Active Tourer hybrid is rated at 2.0 litres per 100 km on the European NEDC combined cycle, and it emits a very low 46 grammes per kilometre of CO2. Weighing in at 1660 kg, the PHEV is about 150 kg more than the standard 225i.
The BMW 225xe Active Tourer will be available in Germany by the end of the year, with prices starting from €37,800 (RM179,300).
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Would love to own one, but too bad it ain’t gonna make it here…
Why so expensive in its own ground?
I thought a guy die die said McDonalds worker also can buy luxury craps
Want a hybrid car just get our Prius/Prius C.
As I always said, you will never get wrong with sushi cars. Buy Toyota better, good RV.
RV=regret value
The future is electric. Its sinking in slowly for some folks.
Yes. .. Malaysia’s future using electric car is next millennium
Just saw one drove pass me…its small. Doesnt make sense putting money on it.