Overview
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG), is a leading global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany. BMW is well known for its portfolio of luxury vehicles, to include the famed Rolls-Royce luxury cars. The group manufacturers a number of cars under its BMW brand, to include battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
The company currently has the following portfolio of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs):
- BMW 225xe Active Tourer PHEV
- BMW 330e Saloon PHEV
- BMW 330e Touring PHEV
- BMW 530e Saloon PHEV
- BMW 530e Touring PHEV
- BMW 745e PHEV
- BMW X1 xDrive25e PHEV
- BMW X2 xDrive25e PHEV
- BMW X3 xDrive30e PHEV
- BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The BMW 225xe Active Tourer PHEV MPV
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) has been manufactured since 2014. The BMW 2 Series is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Though automotive manufacturers like BMW, have been busy upgrading their model portfolios, to include plug-in hybrids, in general, the number of available MPV plug-in electric cars, still remains limited, in particular, in the premium-priced segment. Therefore, the BMW 225xe plug-in MPV electric car is certainly worth the consideration.
The BMW Active Tourer plug-in hybrid has a 8.82 kWh onboard EV battery, with a fuel-free zero-tailpipe emission range up to 33 miles (WLTP certified). Of course, do keep in mind that the real-world EV range will be lower than the WLTP range, and assuming a 27 mile electric range is more realistic.
Both the EV battery size and claimed range are very similar to what we have come to expect of most PHEVs, however, the more recent plug-in electric cars offer a larger battery size and a longer pure electric range. Nevertheless, an e-range between 27 miles and 33 miles is sufficient for most daily commutes and needs. Do keep in mind that the average distance driven per day in the UK is a mere 30 miles.
The real-world range will impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, passenger and cargo load, speed, regenerative braking profile, onboard services used, road conditions and of course the weather! However, the PHEV offers ample range to take advantage of the lower cost of driving an electric car.
Depending on where and when the EV is charged, the cost per mile on electric mode is between 5 pence and 10 pence i.e. far cheaper than using the internal combustion engine (ICE).
Also, the best way to enjoy the smoother and silent electric mode, is to make sure that the EV battery is ‘topped-up’ on a regular basis. This also helps with the long-term health and maintenance of the EV battery. The EV has a 3.7 kW AC onboard charger, which is disappointing, given the price tag. A 7.4 kW onboard charger should have been incorporated as standard. Nevertheless, do take advantage of the faster and safer charging using a dedicated EV charger like Wallbox.
The BMW electric car can be fully charged in 2.5 hours. We at e-zoomed discourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN plug for EV charging. Using a domestic plug will take up to 4 hours to charge the EV. The PHEV does not offer fast DC charging compatibility.
The more a PHEV is driven on EV mode, the better is the overall efficiency and fuel economy of the vehicle. BMW claims that the BMW 225xe PHEV can deliver up to 176.6 mpg. Of course, the real-world fuel consumption will depend on how well you leverage the use of the electric motor/ EV battery. The more, the better!
Like all PHEVs, the pairing of an electric motor with the internal combustion engine (ICE), also helps reduce the tailpipe-emissions for the BMW 2 Series plug-in electric car. The claimed tailpipe-emissions is up to 39g (CO2/km). The lower the emissions, the lower the local air pollution. A win-win for all! Moreover, company car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-12%) tax rates for PHEVs.
The performance of the BMW 2 Series is decent, but not exceptional. The EV is reasonably quick, despite the extra weight of the onboard EV battery. It can achieve 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds (maximum power: 220 HP). The EV pairs a 2.0-litre (four-cylinder) petrol engine with an electric motor (70 kW).
The BMW PHEV has a good quality interior, as would be expected from a premium-badged EV. In terms of technology, the EV includes: BMW head-up display, BMW curved-display, BMW digital key, reversing assistant, BMW intelligent personal assistant and a lot more. Bottom-line the drivers cockpit is modern and intuitive. In terms of practicality, the five-door PHEV offers 400 L cargo volume. Not exceptional, but certainly sufficient.
Though the plug-in electric car does not qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG), driving the EV on electric mode will result in material financial savings. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Versatile and a practical family electric vehicle | Small EV battery, limited electric range, onboard charger limited to 3.7 kW, DC charging not available |
All-wheel drive (AWD) as standard | Expensive. Cheaper alternative PHEVs available |
Cheap to run on electric mode | Higher tailpipe emissions, compared to recent PHEVs |
The BMW 225xe Active Tourer Plug-In Hybrid MPV (credit: BMW)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
Body Type: | MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) |
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
Engine: | Petrol-Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (1 Option) |
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BMW 225xe M Sport Active Tourer (from £38,775) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 8.82 kWh |
Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.7 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2.5 hrs) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 39 – 37g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | £1.27 |
Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | £1.67 |
Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | £1.73 |
Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | £1.89 |
Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | £2.03 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1556 |
Width (mm): | 1800 |
Length (mm): | 4354 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2670 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.0 |
Boot capacity (L): | 400 |
BMW 225xe M Sport Active Tourer | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 8.82 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 32 – 33 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (miles/kWh): | 4.2 |
Fuel Consumption (MPG): | 176.6 |
Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.7 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2.5 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 125 mph |
0-62 mph: | 6.7 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 70 |
Max Power (hp): | 220 |
Torque (Nm): | 220 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight-EU (kg): | 1,760 |
Colours: | 7 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
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