The F45 BMW 225xe Active Tourer has been updated with a new battery, which increases the efficiency and all-electric driving range of the MPV. According to the German carmaker, these improvements are a result of advancements in battery cell technology that allow the lithium-ion battery to have a higher storage capacity.
The battery’s gross energy content now stands at 10 kWh, which is more than previous 7.7 kWh offered. This comes at no change to the battery’s dimensions, and it continues to be fitted under the vehicle’s 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat. The luggage space remains the same at 400 litres, or 1,350 litres with the rear seat folded down.
Being a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the 225xe’s 295-volt battery can be charged through a Type 2 connection using a conventional household socket and standard-issue charging cable, which will take around five hours. Alternatively, the use of a BMW i Wallbox at a rate of charge of 3.7 kW will take about 3.2 hours.
While the battery has been improved, the rest of the powertrain remains the same. The base engine is a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder that serves up 134 hp (136 PS) and 220 Nm of torque, paired to six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The internal combustion engine is supported by an 87 hp (88 PS)/165 Nm electric motor connected to the rear wheels via a two-speed transmission. Combined, the total system output is rated at 221 hp (224 PS) and 385 Nm, which allows for a zero to 100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds and top speed of 202 km/h, or 130 km/h when running on electricity alone. The EV range is now between 50 and 53 km following the WLTP compared to the pre-update model’s maximum of 41 km.
Thanks to the new battery, the average fuel consumption based on WLTP regulations is now 2.1 to 1.9 litres per 100 km – a reduction of around 15%. Meanwhile, CO2 emission figures is now between 47 and 42 grams per kilometre, with combined power consumption figures between 14.2 and 13.5 kWh per 100 km.
For optimum efficiency, the car’s anticipatory energy management system takes into account navigation data to control the powertrain’s operating mode. Available modes include Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro, with Auto eDrive, Max eDrive and Save Battery being expanded options that are selectable through the eDrive button.
Equipment-wise, acoustic pedestrian protection now comes as standard, and is active when driving electrically at speeds of up to 30 km/h. The model-specific range of standard equipment also includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a navigation system, dual-zone automatic air conditioning and auxiliary air conditioning, the last of which allows for remote pre-conditioning using the BMW Connected smartphone app.
A number of trim packages are also available as alternatives to the basic version, including the Advantage model, Sport Line model, Luxury Line model and M Sport model.
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