Skip advert
Advertisement

New entry-level BMW 320e and 520e PHEVs unveiled

BMW will soon launch cheaper plug-in hybrid 320e and 520e variants in Europe – both with pure-electric ranges of around 30 miles

BMW has confirmed it will launch new entry-level plug-in hybrid versions of the 3 Series and 5 Series saloons, called the 320e and 520e respectively. The new models won't make it to the UK – but they're due to go on sale in Europe in March with lower price tags than the current 330e and 530e models. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The new entry-level BMW 320e and 520e plug-in hybrids will both use the same powertrain – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that’s mated to an electric motor and 12kWh lithium- ion battery pack, for a combined output of 201bhp and 350Nm of torque.

Both cars will also feature an eight-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel-drive as standard, although the 3 Series will be optionally available with BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Buyers will also be able to choose both cars in saloon or estate bodystyles. 

In the 320e saloon, the powertrain offers a 0–62mph time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 140mph. Due to the extra weight, the 520e saloon completes the same sprint in 7.9 seconds, although its top speed remains identical. When running in pure-electric mode, both cars will also reach a top speed of 87mph.

BMW says the new 320e will have an electric-only range of between 30 and 35 miles depending on spec, while the 5 Series will manage between 25 and 34 miles. When plugged into a 3kW wallbox, the pair will recover an 80 percent top-up in around 2.5 hours, with a full recharge taking 3.5 hours.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

In terms of economy, BMW claims that both the 320e and 520e will return between 156.9mpg and 217.2mpg. CO2 emissions are equally low, with the former saloon returning as little as 29g/km and the latter claiming as little as 30g/km – meaning both cars will fall into the lowest UK road tax bracket for combustion engined cars.

However, the battery pack does eat into both cars’ boot space slightly. The new 320e saloon has a capacity of 375 litres, compared with 480 litres in the standard model. It’s the same story in the 520e, with boot space falling from 530 litres to 410 litres. BMW’s Touring models go some way to solving the issue, with capacity swelling to a maximum of 1,420 litres for the 320e and 1,560 litres for the 520e.

There’s some clever technology fitted to both cars, geared towards making them greener. For example, both these new BMWs feature a geofencing system in their sat-navs, which can recognise when the driver enters an emissions controlled area and automatically trip the powertrain to operate in pure-electric mode.

BMW has also made an attempt to incentivise efficient driving. For every kilometre driven on pure electricity, the driver receives one “BMW Point,” which can then be exchanged for electricity at one of the company’s public charging stations.

What do you make of the new entry-level BMW 3 Series and 5 Series PHEVs? Let us know in the comments section below…

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Three-car garage: used BMW 1 Series, 2 Series and 3 Series Touring for £32k
Used BMW three-car garage - header image

Three-car garage: used BMW 1 Series, 2 Series and 3 Series Touring for £32k

This selection of BMWs should have all bases covered without delving into the expensive M division
Features
9 Sep 2025
Confirmed: New electric BMW 3 Series will revive i3 name in 2026
New BMW 3 Series which will be named the i3 - front static

Confirmed: New electric BMW 3 Series will revive i3 name in 2026

The next BMW 3 Series will be unveiled in 2026, offered with a choice of internal-combustion engines and pure-electric powertrains
News
5 Sep 2025
Best plug-in hybrids to buy 2025
Best plug-in hybrid cars - header image

Best plug-in hybrids to buy 2025

The plug-in hybrid market has grown exponentially in recent years. Here are our electrified favourites
Best cars & vans
5 Sep 2025
Best executive cars to buy 2025
Best executive cars - header image

Best executive cars to buy 2025

These executive cars add a real touch of class to every journey
Best cars & vans
29 Aug 2025

Most Popular

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - front tracking

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch

The hottest front-wheel-drive Golf has sharpened up its act in Mk8.5 form, but it's not as fun as we'd like it to be
Road tests
11 Sep 2025
Farewell Volkswagen ID.4, hello ID. Tiguan
VW ID. Tiguan front 3/4 Avarvarii

Farewell Volkswagen ID.4, hello ID. Tiguan

Heavy update for EV will bring with it a fresh, but familiar, name
News
12 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025