BMW is serious about electric driving. The Active Tourer 225xe is but first a normal compact van, then a plug-in hybrid. It has a system performance of 165 kW / 234 PS, can drive purely electrically up to 41 kilometers and is to be content with average 2,1 liters of gas plus 11,9 kWh power for the distance of 100 kilometers. At least 38.700 Euro you pay for it, so the part-time electricity is approximately on the price level of 225i with 170 kW / 231 PS (from 38.200 Euro).
The transversely mounted 1,5-liter three-cylinder turbo with 100 kW / 136 PS drives the front wheels, on the rear axle an 65 kW / 88 PS powerful electric motor is used. The principle is similar to the design of the sports car i8, except that the van's engines are arranged the other way around.
The system performance of the 225xe adds up to 165 kW / 234 PS and a maximum torque of 385 Nm. A six-speed automatic transmits the power. Depending on the interaction of the engines, the compact van is powered by front or rear wheels or in combination with an electrified four-wheel drive system (up to a speed of 125 km / h). The 7,7 kWh lithium-ion battery is stored under the back of the van to save space. As a result, the trunk volume shrinks somewhat: depending on the seating configuration between 400 and 1.350 liters instead of 468 to 1.510 liters. Charging is at the domestic power outlet (3 hours and 15 minutes) or at a BMW wallbox (2 hours and 15 minutes).
By default, the vehicle in electric eDrive mode starts electrically, until Tempo 80 only with power. Should it go faster, the burner will automatically switch on. If route guidance is activated via the standard navigation system, the system automatically calculates the most effective use of available energy. In the Max eDrive mode, you are purely electric on the move and up to a speed of 125 km / h.
The activation of the modes Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro also has an influence on the hybrid functions. So who pushes through the gas pedal in sports, experienced a very agile vehicle. The e-machine and gasoline engine work together under high pressure, the 224 PS ensure driving pleasure. For this application, BMW has also modified the suspension of the eco-friendly compared to the conventionally powered models. After all, the 225xe with 1.735 kilograms weighs 150 kilograms more than the not very light 225i xDrive.