2018 BMW 225xe iPerformance – Electrified AWD Ensures Outstanding Traction. 2018 BMW 225xe iPerformance Active Tourer – Drive, Interior and Exterior.
For those looking to complete their journeys with both zero local emissions and the driving pleasure typical of BMW, the BMW 225xe iPerformance offers a combination of sportiness, economy and everyday usability unmatched in its segment. The plug-in hybrid’s electric drivetrain offers an electric range of 45 kilometres (28 miles) and teams up with the three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engine to deliver sporting performance characteristics and the long range over extended journeys expected of a combustion engine.
The powertrain consists of two components. The 100 kW/136 hp threecylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology has 1.5-litre displacement and channels its power to the front wheels through a six-speed Steptronic transmission. The electric side of proceedings is handled by a 65 kW/88 hp electric motor driving the rear wheels. The combined power from the two units delivers system output of 165 kW/224 hp and peak torque of up to 385 Newton metres (284 lb-ft), all of which opens the door to sporty performance. Indeed, the BMW 225xe iPerformance sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds, and the electric boost also gives the driver an extra safety buffer when overtaking on country roads, for example. Added to which, the electric power feeding through the rear axle combines with the car’s inherent front-wheel drive to create electrified all-wheel drive – and thus provide outstanding traction in adverse weather conditions.
The electric motor is supplied with energy by a lithium-ion battery arranged in a space-saving position under the rear seat bench. The electric drive system itself is accommodated underneath the load compartment floor, ensuring that it has virtually no impact on boot capacity. The battery has a capacity of 7.6 kWh, of which 6.1 kWh is usable. This results in an electric range of up to 45 kilometres (28 miles). However, as well as enabling short distances through town with zero local emissions, the electric drive system also makes it possible to enjoy the virtues of all-electric power on cross-country roads and motorways, thanks to a top speed of 125 km/h (78 mph).
In addition to the SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO settings offered by the BMW Driving Experience Control switch, the BMW 225xe iPerformance also has a few other modes up its sleeve; AUTO eDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE and SAVE BATTERY can be selected via the eDrive button in the centre console. AUTO eDRIVE is the default setting activated each time the car is started up. In this mode, the system ensures the combustion engine and electric motor work together as effectively as possible in all driving situations. The all-electric top speed here is 80 km/h (50 mph). The MAX eDRIVE setting speeds things up a little, allowing the driver to hit 125 km/h (78 mph) on electric power alone. SAVE BATTERY mode, meanwhile, enables the high-voltage battery’s charge level to be maintained or even topped up if it has dropped below 50 per cent. This makes particular sense if the driver is looking to save battery capacity to drive through town or back home electrically and therefore quietly and emission-free. Another helping hand when it comes to fuel economy is provided by BMW ConnectedDrive which, in the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer with eDRIVE, joins forces with proactive energy management and also takes into account the driving and route profile to utilise the plug-in hybrid drive system extremely efficiently.
The BMW 225xe iPerformance can recharge its battery to a certain extent via recuperation, i.e. regeneration of braking energy during a journey. Owners will need around two-and-a-half hours to fully recharge the lithium-ion cells from a standard domestic power socket using the standard charging cable. Faster charging is possible from a BMW i Wallbox, which can top up the battery in around one-and-a-half hours. Added to which, the Wallboxes also offer auxiliary functions – such as staggered charging (so that customers can source the power to charge the car in the most economical way), integration into the home’s photovoltaic system and control via smartphone.
BMW is the world’s first car manufacturer to integrate electric mobility into its customers’ digital worlds, courtesy of the BMW Digital Charging Service. This service helps to optimise charging costs through the targeted use of costefficient charging times – and also integrates self-generated and therefore cost-free solar power into the charging process. The service’s ease of use facilitates fully transparent, sustainable use of renewable energy.
BMW ConnectedDrive and the ChargeNow app make locating and using public charging stations a fast and easy process, while the ChargeNow card allows cash-free payment.
