BMW 225xe

BMW 225xe Active Tourer is an interesting plug-in hybrid that boasts all-wheel-drive and up to 165 kW of system power, with a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of 6.7 seconds.

The electric motor sits in the rear axle and is rated up to 65 kW. In the front, BMW installed a 100 kW/136 hp, 220Nm 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine and a six-speed Steptronic transmission with high-voltage starter-generator.

On its 7.6 kWh battery, all-electric range is stated at some 25 miles (40 km), but again rear-world results will be lower, especially since usable capacity stands at only 5.8 kWh.. We think 17-19 miles (27-30 km) is a decent real world expectation

Because the battery takes some additional space, fuel tank capacity was decreased to just 36 litres (15 less than conventional model), seats are also raised a little bit and the trunk has shrunk somewhat - 400 litres instead of roughly 470 litres.

According to Autocar, who recently tested the BMW 225xe, the car offers improved performance and fuel economy at a small premium in price, without sacrificing too much of its overall practicality.

Here are several photos of 225xe drivetrain, before we move to the driving experience:

BMW 225xe, Exhibit Drive Train

BMW 225xe, Exhibit Drive Train

BMW 225xe, Exhibit Drive Train

BMW 225xe, Exhibit Drive Train

BMW 225xe, Exhibit Drive Train

BMW 225xe, Exhibit Drive Train

BMW 225xe, Exhibit Drive Train

BMW 225xe, Exhibit Drive Train

BMW 225xe, Exhibit Drive Train

BMW 225xe

Like in case of 330e, BMW implemented in 225xe three driving modes eDrive, Max eDrive and Save Battery.

AUTO eDRIVE is the basic setting activated when the car is started. It ensures the combustion engine and electric motor work together to optimum effect in all driving situations and gives a pure-electric top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). MAX eDRIVE allows the car to run on the electric drive system alone up to a speed of 125 km/h (78 mph). With SAVE BATTERY, the charge of the high-voltage battery can be maintained or, if it’s already depleted, raised to over 50 per cent during a journey – so that the available electric range can be used later in urban areas, for example.

According to the Autocar, despite weight of 1,660 kg (3,660 lbs), the 65 kW electric motor in base eDRIVE is strong enough to accelerate nimbly from a traffic light.

"Despite the complexity of the drivetrain, the dovetailing of the two drive systems is very impressive, providing the new BMW with urgent qualities in lower gears around town and an appealing loping gait in taller ratios out on the open road." "Dynamically, the new BMW is quite convincing, displaying excellent body control and tenacious purchase, and given its tall stature it is particularly well tied down. You can whip it through corners at impressive speeds without any undue lurch or premature breakaway at the front end, all of which endows the 225xe with more inherently sporting qualities than the 218i on which it is based. The traction benefits brought by the electric motor's ability to provide drive to the rear wheels really do endow the car with greater ability."

BMW 225xe

Quick specs:

100 kW/136 hp, 220 Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology

65 kW electric motor for the rear wheels

AWD (front wheels – engine, rear wheels – electric motor)

(front wheels – engine, rear wheels – electric motor) overall system output of 165 kW/224 hp and 385 Nm

all-electric range of up to 41 km (25 miles) , probably NEDC up to 80 km/h (50 mph)

, probably NEDC up to 80 km/h (50 mph) 7.6 kWh lithium-ion

lithium-ion Average fuel consumption (combined) at 2.1–2.0 litres/100 km (134.5–141.2 mpg imp)

0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 s

BMW 225xe

BMW 225xe

BMW 225xe

BMW 225xe

BMW 225xe

BMW 225xe

BMW 225xe

BMW 225xe

And no, BMW still has no plans to bring the 225xe to North America.

Source: Autocar