BMW About To Go Full-Tilt On Plug-In Hybrids

2015 BMW I8 (Credit: © BMW)

Not too long ago that rumors of BMW churning out a long line of plug-in hybrid models started circulating. Most enthusiasts groaned, thinking only of the Prius and other awful cars. Thanks to more performance-oriented hybrids entering the market since, that negative perception has been partially shed.

BMW will start whipping out a plug-in hybrid version of every model the company puts out. That means a plug-in version of the 2 Series, X1, 5 Series, etc. are all coming. When you start to think about it, that’s a lot of plug-in vehicles.

Already, BMW has been pushing forward with a few plug-ins. Beyond the i3 and i8, the company already makes the X5 xDrive40e. A plug-in version of the 3 Series, called the 330e, is launching soon. Come summer, a plug-in hybrid 7 Series will also be on the market. Expect many more to be launching in the near future.

An amazing part of this newly-confirmed plan is the pacing BMW said it’ll keep while rolling out the new plug-ins. They’ll launch at about one per quarter, which means it won’t be too long before you will be able to walk into a dealership and get an electrified version of whatever kind of BMW your heart desires, and your bank account can handle.

Speaking of price, all that hybrid powertrain hardware will cost. Just how much extra buyers will shell out depends on the vehicle. As oil prices will inevitably rise once more, the additional cost will be made up for in fuel savings.

Of course, this new plan was created because of increasing government fuel economy standards. The United States federal government will require by 2025 that corporate average fuel economy reaches 54.5 mpg. On top of that, a growing number of consumers are demanding plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles, especially in the luxury market.

BMW needs to stay competitive. Audi has been making moves with hybrids and more, while Mercedes has announced it will have 10 plug-in hybrid models available in the United States market come 2017.