BMW is adding 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains to their range of vehicles, which already includes plug-in hybrids and fully electric cars. In the 2025 model year, the company will introduce a plug-in hybrid choice for the 5 Series family and a third powertrain option for the all-electric i5. This demonstrates BMW’s diverse strategy towards electrification.
550e xDrive PHEV
BMW has introduced a new model called the 550e xDrive PHEV, which combines a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The total power output of this hybrid system is 483 horsepower and 516 pounds-feet of torque. In comparison, the 2024 X5 SUV has a twin-turbo V-8 engine that produces 523 hp and 553 pounds-feet of torque, but it does not have the capability for electric travel. The range of the 550e has not been disclosed by BMW yet.
However, BMW claims that the 550e can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around four seconds, proving that electrified vehicles can still provide an exciting driving experience. Production of the 550e will begin in July, and more information about pricing, range, and other specifications will be revealed closer to the launch date.
i5 xDrive40
The i5 xDrive40, which came out in 2025, falls somewhere in between the rear-wheel-drive i5 eDrive40 with 335 horsepower and the all-wheel-drive i5 M60 with 593 horsepower. However, it doesn’t exactly split the difference. With electric motors in both the front and rear, the i5 xDrive40 is now an all-wheel-drive car and has a combined power output of 389 horsepower and 435 pounds-feet of torque. These figures show an improvement of 54 horsepower and 140 pounds-feet of torque compared to the rear-wheel-drive eDrive40.
BMW has not yet disclosed the range for the xDrive40 model. However, since it shares the same 84.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack as the other i5 models, it is expected to have a range closer to the estimated maximum of 295 miles for the eDrive40 model, rather than the M60 model’s 256 miles. The xDrive40 is capable of fast charging at up to 205 kilowatts, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Sales for the xDrive40 will begin in the spring, and it will be priced starting at $71,095, including the $995 destination fee.
Active Lane Change
BMW has updated its Highway Assistant semi-autonomous driving system in the 2024 5 Series. The new feature, called Active Lane Change, allows the car to suggest lane changes when in hands-free mode. To initiate the lane change, the driver simply needs to look at the appropriate side mirror. The car will then signal and execute the lane change. This feature will be available in X5 and X6 SUVs starting in March, with the X7 following in April.
For individuals who are still unsure if an electric vehicle (EV) is suitable for them, the My BMW app now offers a new feature called E-Mobility Analysis. This feature will carefully examine their driving habits and recommend the most suitable electric BMW model for their needs.
