BMW expands plug-in hybrid electric range of 3 Series and 5 Series

The BMW 3 Series has received a model-year update, while the 5 Series (Touring) range has been expanded with more powertrain options. In both cases, a large(r) high-voltage battery of 19.4/19.5 kWh makes the plug-in hybrid 330e and 530e more attractive, offering up to 101 kilometers of all-electric range.

Following the facelifted 4 Series and i4 models, the BMW 3 Series has also been updated. It already got a refreshed exterior back in 2021, so there is no real news there other than some new paint and wheel options. A new M Sport steering wheel and an updated BMW Operating System are added on the inside, among other equipment and material changes.

New battery

But the biggest news is found under the hood, where the only plug-in hybrid option becomes the 330e. The cheaper, less powerful 320e has been cut from the range. The 330e still offers a system output of 215 kW/292 hp but now features a much larger 19.5 kWh (usable) high-voltage battery, compared to 12 kWh for the old model, allowing for up to 101 km of all-electric range (up from 62 km). Charging is possible up to 11 kW at a three-phase AC charger; DC fast charging is not supported.

5 Series Touring gets more engines

Meanwhile, its bigger brother, the 5 Series, gets an expanded model range. The G60/G61 generation of the large business sedan and station wagon is still in its launch phase. The Touring version is now available for sale, and deliveries are scheduled for Summer 2024.

After initially presenting the all-electric i5 Touring, the German wagon is now also available with plug-in hybrid drivetrains and combustion engines. The 530e features the same four-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor as in the 330e but delivers 220 kW/299 hp in this case. It is also available with xDrive four-wheel drive.

More options coming?

In this case, the official net battery capacity is 19.4 kWh, which gives the 5 Series Touring up to 96 km of electric range according to the WLTP test cycle. The sedan model manages up to 103 km with the same drivetrain.

As the saloon is also available as a 550e, with a six-cylinder engine and a 360 kW/489 hp output, the 5 Series Touring powertrain range may be expanded further as production of the model ramps up.

The 5 Series Touring is available starting at €63,500 in Belgium; the cheapest plug-in hybrid (530e Touring) costs €72,050, while the electric i5 Touring is available for €76,300 (i5 eDrive40 Touring).