BMW is currently going strong with its hybrid programme and is expected to launch a four-door sedan under its ‘i’ brand of cars. However, word is now out on the interweb that the German automaker is also working on hybrid versions of the X1 and X3 that will be launched under their eDrive plug-in hybrid programme.
The eDrive programme currently includes the 3 Series hybrid (328e), 7 Series Hybrid (740Le) and the recently unveiled X5 hybrid (xDrive40e). These three vehicles will be joined by the X1 in the xDrive23e version and the X3 in the xDrive30e version.
A report from Autoevolution suggests that the recently unveiled next-generation X1 in the hybrid version is likely to get the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol motor and an electric motor with the output being split 130bhp for the former and 70bhp for the latter. This gives it a total output of 200bhp which seems more than enough for a vehicle of that size.
The X3 plug-in hybrid in the 30e version is likely to get the same setup from the 330e which means the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol motor and electric mill together will produce 252bhp and 420Nm of torque.
The report suggests that BMW is working on making eDrive versions of nearly all the cars its sells and this only seems logical as it is the way forward.