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RECHARGEABLE DRIVING PLEASURE.
Frequently asked questions on BMW Plug-in Hybrid models.
Discover the sustainable world of the BMW iPerformance models and an entirely new dimension of driving pleasure.
Impressively dynamic and entirely free of emissions when driving purely electrically, the BMW plug-in hybrids show just what is possible: thanks to the newly developed electric synchronous motors, the iPerformance models dazzle with their tremendous torque from a standing start up to maximum speed.
Just as agile but designed for electromobility from the outset are the BMW i models. Their futuristic design and the cleverly devised electric concepts make them distinctive from afar: the vehicles are shaping the future of mobility. On this page you will find all the answers to the key questions on the plug-in hybrid vehicles from BMW. You will obtain information on the BMW i models by following the link below.
Rechargeable Driving Pleasure.Frequently asked questions on BMW Plug-in Hybrid models.
Discover the sustainable world of the BMW iPerformance models and an entirely new dimension of driving pleasure.
Impressively dynamic and entirely free of emissions when driving purely electrically, the BMW plug-in hybrids show just what is possible: thanks to the newly developed electric synchronous motors, the iPerformance models dazzle with their tremendous torque from a standing start up to maximum speed.
Just as agile but designed for electromobility from the outset are the BMW i models. Their futuristic design and the cleverly devised electric concepts make them distinctive from afar: the vehicles are shaping the future of mobility. On this page you will find all the answers to the key questions on the plug-in hybrid vehicles from BMW. You will obtain information on the BMW i models by following the link below.
What exactly is a plug-in hybrid?
A plug-in hybrid has a drive system comprising a powerful electric motor and an efficient combustion engine. This combination achieves a high overall performance for the vehicles, which is more environmentally friendly than conventional drive technologies.
Furthermore, plug-in hybrids can be recharged directly from the electricity mains, whether at home or on the road. This enables journeys to be made free of emissions on a large proportion of routes, particularly in urban areas, and consumption to be reduced on long distances.
What basic advantages does a plug-in hybrid offer compared to a conventional vehicle?
A plug-in hybrid vehicle offers low-emission mobility at the same time as long-distance capability with functionality on the same level as a conventional vehicle. You particularly benefit from the silent driving and electric boosting. This means that during temporary increases in speed, such as during overtaking manoeuvres, the combustion engine is additionally supported by the electric motor ensuring even more dynamic driving. Particularly in electric mode and with the simultaneous opportunity to repeatedly charge the vehicle battery via the electricity mains, it is possible to achieve low operating costs.
One feature worthy of special mention is the option of individually controlling the stationary heating and cooling in the plug-in hybrids via the BMW ConnectedDrive App, the ConnectedDrive web portal or directly inside the vehicle.
What requirements and conditions have to be met for me to consider a plug-in hybrid?
A crucial factor in making the decision is the availability of facilities for charging the vehicle at home. Quite simply from a domestic socket, with your own BMW i Charging Station or at another location in your neighbourhood. Furthermore, the benefit from the operating costs (electricity vs. fuel price) of a plug-in hybrid vehicle can be exploited if a large number of journeys can be made in electric mode. You can gain even more from this advantage if your workplace has charging facilities.
Are the safety and driving experience similar to conventionally powered BMW vehicles?
BMW plug-in hybrids are designed to very high technical standards, which are based on the same safe vehicle architecture as the conventional models. The safety of plug-in hybrid vehicles with high-voltage batteries has also been confirmed by independent institutes.
Thanks to the electric motor in the BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric driving and a further increase in efficiency are combined. The high torque available from a standing start means that these vehicles display the spontaneity during power build-up that is typical of electric motors. As part of the boost function, this electric motor additionally provides very noticeable support for the combustion engine during acceleration and in dynamic short bursts. Moreover, the BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles are silent and locally emission-free when travelling in electric mode.
Which different driving modes are available?
The BMW plug-in hybrids do of course have the familiar driving modes of ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport for every driving situation and requirement. In addition to this, the following driving modes specific to plug-in hybrid vehicles are also available with the eDrive button.
− AUTO eDRIVE: The system selects the most efficient drive method – purely electrical, combined or with combustion engine according to the situation.
− MAX eDRIVE: Depending on the model, it is possible to drive at a speed of up to 140 km/h purely electrically in MAX eDRIVE mode. At higher speeds or if the full acceleration potential needs to be exploited, the combustion engine switches on automatically.
− In SAVE BATTERY or Battery Control mode (in the BMW 740Le xDrive), the battery is efficiently charged by the combustion engine or has its charge level maintained. This enables the battery capacity to be actively saved for purely electric driving at a later stage.
How can you recognize a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle?
A design difference compared with conventional BMW models is only desirable to a limited extent so that the familiar and unmistakeable BMW design is also retained for BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles. Nevertheless, the following features are among those which help to distinguish a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle:
Exterior design:
- eDrive badge on the C-pillars on both sides
- eDrive lettering, both on the rear of the vehicle and on the engine cover
- Model name with “e”
- Presence of a charging socket at the front on the driver’s side
Interior design:
- Door sill finisher with eDrive lettering
- eDrive button in the centre console
- Specific instrument cluster and Control Display graphics
Is it possible to continue driving electrically even if the fuel tank is empty?
Yes, it is. If the total range with electric motor and combustion engine is 80 km, the driver will be warned by a message in the instrument cluster. Below a total range of 50 km, the driver receives a range warning permanently. If the fuel tank is empty, the remaining electric range can be used to drive to the nearest filling station – provided enough energy is present and the system conditions permit electric driving.
How long does the high-voltage battery last in a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle?
The high-voltage batteries used in the BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles are lithium-ion batteries which, in contrast to conventional nickel, lead or cadmium batteries, have been optimized for use in motor vehicles. Within the scope of the BMW Battery Certificate, your authorized BMW dealer or your BMW subsidiary guarantees to rectify any defect in the high-voltage battery for the first 100,000 km or up to a maximum of 6 years after delivery of the new vehicle (the first criterion fulfilled applies). You can find out about details of the service entitlements of the BMW Battery Certificate from your authorised BMW dealer or you BMW subsidiary.
How far is the electric range?
A specific cyclic range is indicated for every BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle. The electric range actually achieved depends on many factors. Important influences are the air-conditioning and heating demand, the general load on the on-board power system (e.g. navigation, radio, seat and windscreen heating, climatic conditions in summer and winter) as well as individual driving style.
When the high-voltage battery is discharged, purely electric driving is no longer possible, but it is still possible to continue driving perfectly normally thanks to the combustion engine. An intelligent energy management system means no damage can occur to the high-voltage battery at any time even it is displayed as completely “empty”.
Does the high-voltage battery restrict the luggage space?
The BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles only have slight restrictions in the volume of luggage space compared with conventional BMW models. With regard to loading comfort, intelligent solutions have been developed which firstly ensure a flat loading platform and secondly provide the necessary depth for transporting bulky objects. Furthermore, all through-loading systems (e.g. the 40:20:40 split of the backrest) are also available for the BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles.
What should you be aware of if a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle is parked for a lengthy period of time?
Parking for a lengthy period of time (e.g. for several weeks) is of course possible, but the charge level of the high-voltage battery may decrease if the vehicle is not moved for a substantial period.
It is therefore advisable to park the vehicle with an almost fully charged battery or to connect the vehicle with a suitable charging station during lengthy stationary phases as this will then automatically recharge the high-voltage battery if necessary.
Please also take note of the advice relating to lengthy stationary phases in the operating instructions provided with the vehicle.
What charging options does BMW offer for plug-in hybrid vehicles?
A BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle can be recharged from an ordinary household socket – however, it is advisable to have the suitability (continuous load capability) of the socket in question checked by a certified specialist. This check of the socket or the installation and commissioning of a BMW i Wallbox (this allows BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles to be charged with a maximum of 3.7 kW) can, for example, be performed by a qualified electrician from the BMW i installation partner.
The vehicle can also be charged while out and about. The “CHARGE NOW” programme offers access to a constantly growing network of public charging stations. Thanks to the “PARK NOW” system, BMW customers can now find long-term parking and recharging facilities in multi-storey car park near their residence or workplace.
If you would like to find out where there is a charging station in your neighbourhood, there are various options:
− You can look it up in the navigation system of your BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle. Thanks to the point-of-interest search in the BMW ConnectedDrive App, you have direct access to all charging stations in your surroundings.
− You can search on your smartphone. This is child’s play using the ConnectedDrive App for plug-in hybrids.
− You will find all BMW i partner charging stations on the CHARGE NOW website.
How often can and must you recharge a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle?
If possible, you should charge your BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle whenever the opportunity arises – be it at home or on the move. This means that you can always take advantage of the maximum possible electric range and thus minimize fuel consumption.
How long does it take to charge the high-voltage battery? Is there way of charging it quickly with DC (direct current)?
The precise charging time depends on a number of factors. If the high-voltage battery is completely discharged, it may be assumed in the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid vehicle, for example, that charging will take between roughly 2.8 hours at a BMW i Charging Station or public station and approx. 4 hours from a normal domestic socket.
Due to the smaller battery size in comparison with a pure electric vehicle and the comparably short time required for full charging that this entails, no means of rapid DC-charging is planned for BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Do you need a different charging cable when abroad?
The standard charging cable contained in the vehicle has the household plug typical for its specific country. Your BMW dealer will offer you the opportunity to purchase a cable suitable for different socket types.
Are the 360° ELECTRIC offers from BMW i also available for BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles?
Yes, it goes without saying that, as an owner of a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle, all the relevant service features from the BMW i 360° ELECTRIC offer are available to you.
How much do the BMW charging stations for home use cost?
You will find the prices for a BMW i Wallbox under Original BMW Accessories.
CONNECTIVITY.
Thanks to the innovative eDrive services, the BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles always have a high degree of connectivity. The numerous eDrive services include the BMW ConnectedDrive App, which offers you features such as important information on the charge level of your vehicle.
Fuel consumption, CO2 emissions for the BMW 740Le xDrive:
Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 8.8
CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 132
What form does the BMW ConnectedDrive offer for BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles take?
The eDrive services are specially tailored to BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles and can be called up via an app, the navigation system or the customer portal. The BMW ConnectedDrive App contains the following functions:
– Charge status display and charging timer setting
– Remote operation of the climate control (heating/cooling) and timer setting
– Search and display of charging stations
– Statistics on your own driving conduct, tutorials on efficient driving and comparisons in the community
– Display of the mileage, vehicle condition and service requirementWhich smartphone operating systems are supported?
Apple iOS and Google Android.
Can I also control the above functions via the Internet?
Yes, selected functions are also available via the BMW ConnectedDrive portal.
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The values of fuel consumptions, CO2 emissions and energy consumptions shown were determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable at the time of type approval. The figures refer to a vehicle with basic configuration in Germany and the range shown considers optional equipment and the different size of wheels and tires available on the selected model.
(1) The values are applicable until 15.04.2018. Please check availability with your BMW dealer.
The values of the vehicles labeled with (3), are already based on the new WLTP regulation and are translated back into NEDC-equivalent values in order to ensure the comparison between the vehicles. [With respect to these vehicles, for vehicle related taxes or other duties based (at least inter alia) on CO2-emissions the CO2 values may differ to the values stated here.]
The CO2 efficiency specifications are determined according to Directive 1999/94/EC and the European Regulation in its current version applicable. The values shown are based on the fuel consumption, CO2 values and energy consumptions according to the NEDC cycle for the classification.
For further information about the official fuel consumption and the specific CO2 emission of new passenger cars can be taken out of the „handbook of fuel consumption, the CO2 emission and power consumption of new passenger cars“, which is available at all selling points and at https://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html.
