BMW debuts 545e xDrive hybrid, two more coming in Nov.

MANILA: After introducing the two plug-in hybrids in July, the BMW 530e Saloon and the 530e xDrive Saloon, the German automaker unveils the 545e xDrive Saloon and announces that two more are coming in November 2020.

The 545e xDrive Saloon uses a straight six-cylinder gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology complemented by a synchronous electric motor to put out 394hp and 600Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels using an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and the marque’s xDrive four-wheel drive system. Top speed on pure electric power is 140kph, and 250kph with full powertrain capacity. Its 0-100kph time is 4.7 seconds.

Using a 400V lithium-ion battery positioned under the rear seat, it has an electric range of 54-57 kilometers while also offering a luggage volume of 410 liters.

Its default setting is Hybrid mode where the electric motor is predominantly used. The combustion engine only kicks in at higher speeds or under intensive load conditions. The electric range is increased by recuperation in overrun and braking phases. By pressing the Hybrid button twice, an efficiency-optimized version of this operating mode (Hybrid Eco Pro) is activated and puts the coasting function on the overrun, among other things, contributes to a further reduction in consumption. When approaching a junction or a vehicle driving ahead, for example, infinitely adaptive recuperation can be put to particularly intensive use for the purpose of deceleration.

Drivers can shift to Electric drive via the iDrive menu.

In Sport mode, the electric motor supports the straight six-cylinder petrol engine and the gearshift program is sporty for dynamic performance. 

BMW, in collaboration with renowned composer Hans Zimmer, produced a ‘ready to drive sound’ designed to trigger joyful anticipation of the electric drive when the driver enters the vehicle and presses the Start/Stop button.

The distinctive sound created especially for electrified BMW models is used for the purpose of acoustic pedestrian protection, emitted via a speaker system. The sound design in the low speed range of up to 30 km/h radiates a vibrant acoustic presence, though without impairing the acoustic comfort of vehicle occupants.

Photos from BMW

Also read: These BMW hybrids automatically go electric in city zones