Use of 48V mild hybrid tech expanded across BMW line-up
By DPA | 27 May 2020MUNICH: BMW is freshening up its upper-middle-class models, with 48V mild hybrid tech arriving under the bonnet of the 5 Series Sedan, the 5 Series Touring and the 6 Series Gran Turismo.
Going on sale in Europe in July, the 5 Series and 6 Series upgrades will also come with a retouched design, most noticeably a larger grille and tweaked lights, BMW has announced.
There'll also be an expanded range of equipment with new assistance and infotainment functions, including cloud-based navigation and a digital cockpit now featured as standard, the German carmaker says.
Needless to say, the most significant advancement is the 48-volt mild hybrid system, now featured in all four and six-cylinder engines.
Here, a compact electric motor is paired with a petrol or diesel engine and used to supply extra power when needed, for example when the car pulls away from a standstill or during fierce acceleration, both of which consume more fuel than cruising at regular speeds.
In this instance, BMW is using an 8-kW electric motor and a lithium-ion buffer battery to save fuel costs, give an extra boost to acceleration and also to recover more energy when braking.
According to BMW, the overall result is a faster sprint and better efficiency. For those who want to drive purely on battery, even if just for a short while, BMW says you'll be able to opt for a plug-in hybrid version of the 5 Series Touring.
Prices in BMW's European home market start at €49,100 (RM235,000) for the 5-series sedan and €51,300 (RM245,300) for the Touring estate. The coupe-like 6 Series Gran Turismo will cost upwards of €62,800 (RM300,290).
The 48-volt mild hybrid technology was first introduced in selected model variants of the 5 Series in autumn 2019. This was followed by the 3 Series models and several X models. From July and August 2020, it will be available as standard in 37 further model variants of the 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series as well as the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7. All in all it will ensure efficiency and dynamic performance in 51 current BMW models.
Tags
Autos BMW
Reviews
6.6
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401: Inspiring retro design
8.8
smart #1 (Premium): Agile, engaging, roomy, premium motoring
6.6
Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX: Multi terrain warrior
Proton e.MAS 7 impresses in quick dynamic driving exercises
Nissan Kicks e-Power: Kicking off a new efficiency
6.8
Mercedes-Benz GLB 200: Measured versatility
MG5: Slick and comfortable cruiser
8.2