Much of our coverage of the BMW i sub-brand is bent on showing BMW at the forefront of sustainable vehicles and energy efficiency. We’ve seen over time how certain philosophies have found their way back into the main BMW heading as well, and we previously reported how all “core” BMW models would eventually get a plug-in hybrid model as a result of this dedication to the environment.
Now, Autoblog is reporting that not only core models, but all new BMWs will be available as a PHEV. The source is none other than Ludwig Willisch, CEO of BMW North America. Speaking at the New York International Auto Show last week, Willisch denied that we’d be seeing an i5 or an i7 anytime soon, but said that as new models are rolled out, each will be accompanied by a plug-in hybrid.
The X5 xDrive40e is our first example of such a model. It utilizes a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to generate a combined 313 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It has a range of nineteen miles in EV mode, and we’re quite optimistic about the EPA ratings once it’s tested.
Willisch quashed further inquiry into the future of the BMW i lineup when he said that larger vehicles would not be under discussion for several years. All of these questions followed from one that we’re sure BMW is tired of answering: Do you view Tesla as a competitor? The answer isn’t no, but as Willisch points out, the Model S is a very different beast compared to what BMW offers.
In our observation, Tesla owners are not buying their cars because of their sustainability. The person who buys a Tesla is the same kind of person that will buy an Apple Watch. They want to be seen on the cutting edge with the latest trinket, and they want an oh-so-clever vanity plate so they can look at themselves in the mirror and practice saying “Yes, darling, it runs on electricity. Isn’t that maaaarvelous?”
If you have any questions about BMW i or hybrid BMW models, feel free to call or visit us at Leith BMW in Raleigh. If you have a specific question about your BMW, try making an appointment with one of our Geniuses.