BMW has revealed the updated version of its 225xe Active Tourer plug-in hybrid, which sees its electric range increase by 25 per cent.
This was one of BMW’s first plug-in hybrid models, and thanks to the latest in battery technology, its larger 10kWh lithium-ion battery is able to increase the range by more than 25 per cent from 25 to 35 miles. CO2 emissions are also cut to 42g/km in its cleanest guise, along with claimed fuel economy figures of 150mpg.
Paired to the batteries is a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, which produce a combined 221bhp and 395Nm of torque. This allows for a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 126mph.
The all-wheel-drive MPV can be charged in five hours using a standard domestic plug, or three hours 15 minutes with one of BMW’s dedicated charging wallboxes.
The 2 Series Active Tourer’s boot is unaffected by the batteries, with the cargo area rising to 1,350 litres when the rear seats are folded.
A special ‘Auto eDrive’ driving mode will also come in particularly useful for drivers, with this setting able to choose between all-electric and engine power, depending on scenario, to maximise efficiency. A ‘Save Battery’ mode can also be enabled to save the electric power for later in a journey – driving around a city, for example.
BMW hasn’t announced pricing for the new model, but expect a slight increase over the current car’s £35,300 starting price.
