About BMW Electric Vehicles
The history of electric BMW models begins in 1969 when the German automaker built two test vehicles based on its 02 series cars. In 1972, two converted BMW 1602 models made their public debut carrying support and camera equipment during long distance running competitions at the Olympic Games in Munich.
While only capable of about a 37-mile maximum range and a top speed of around 60 MPH, the BMW 1602 Electric marked the beginning of a steady path of electric vehicle development at the company, setting in motion research and development projects to bring increasingly more efficient electric models to the road.
In 2012, the company announced it would launch its electric cars under the BMW i sub-brand. The first production model was the BMW i3, launched in 2013 featuring an aluminum chassis and a passenger cell made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. By the time production ended in 2022, more than 250,000 i3 units were sold. In parallel with the BMW i3, the BMW Group was developing the BMW i8, its first plug-in hybrid model. The sports car laid the foundation for what is now a broad range of plug-in hybrids.
In 2020 the BMW iX3, the first all-electric X model was rolled out. Its redesigned engine would also power the BMW i4, an all-electric four-door coupe launched in 2021 along with an all-electric iX premium SAV.
By the year 2030, at least half of the BMW Group’s vehicle deliveries worldwide are set to be fully electric models. Moreover, the company intends to put 10 million fully electric vehicles on the road during the next ten years. By the early 2030s, BMW plans to offer only all-electric vehicles to its MINI and Rolls-Royce customers.
Here’s what to know about the 11 BMW models of all-electric and hybrid cars in seven series that are available in the U.S. (base trims as of Q4 2022):
i4 – BMW’s i4 debuted in 2021, and since has made Car and Driver’s “10 Best Cars of 2023” list. Offered in three trim levels, this all-electric sedan has sporty handling and combines decent range with fast acceleration and great horsepower for a vehicle in this category. The i4 is also one of those EVs that comes equipped with the feature to make it sound like it has an engine, with the car’s speakers playing synthesized sounds coordinated with acceleration, if that’s your thing.
|
i4 (eDrive35) |
|
|
Base Price |
$51,400 |
|
Range |
256 miles |
|
Seats |
Five |
|
Cargo Capacity |
10 cu. ft. |
|
Base Drive |
RWD |
iX – Think of the iX as an all-electric version of BMW’s X5. The company’s all-electric SUV comes in two trims and doesn’t mess around in the power department courtesy of two electric motors. The base trim, the xDrive50 comes with 516 horsepower and the M60 trim, which is new for 2023, delivers 610. Spacious, powerful and stylish, the iX is a great all-electric choice for those who can afford it.
|
iX (xDrive50) |
|
|
Base Price |
$84,100 |
|
Range |
324 miles |
|
Seats |
Five |
|
Cargo Capacity |
35.5 cu. ft. |
|
Base Drive |
AWD |
i7 – If you’re looking for a vehicle with luxurious, iconic BMW styling that’s electrified, look no further than the i7. The vehicle’s large battery offers fantastic range, and its two electric motors keep acceleration and speed feeling sporty. The i7 is offered in one trim, but BMW offers different packages depending on how pampered the driver and passengers want to feel.
|
i7 (xDrive60) |
|
|
Base Price |
$119,300 |
|
Range |
318 miles |
|
Seats |
Five |
|
Cargo Capacity |
17.6 cu. ft. |
|
Base Drive |
AWD |
330e – BMW’s 3-Series sports sedan is offered as a plug-in hybrid and is known in the marketplace for its great performance. The vehicle’s hybrid powertrain features BMW’s “Xtraboost” function that provides the driver a nice boost of horsepower when the driver needs it.
|
330e |
|
|
Base Price |
$44,900 |
|
Range |
320 miles (22 all-electric) |
|
Seats |
Five |
|
Cargo Capacity |
13.2 cu. ft. |
|
Base Drive |
RWD |
530e – BMW offers a few mid-size luxury plug-in hybrid offerings, and this one has lots of room and class for days, though some of the automaker's rivals offer plug-in vehicles that beat the 530e’s range and power. This plug-in hybrid earns 26 mpg combined, including 21 miles of all-electric range. The vehicle is also offered in all-wheel drive, though its range drops to 19 miles in this case.
|
530e |
|
|
Base Price |
$57,600 |
|
Range |
350 miles (21 all-electric) |
|
Seats |
Five |
|
Cargo Capacity |
14 cu. ft. |
|
Base Drive |
RWD |
X5 – Another option from BMW for drivers looking for a mid-size luxury plug-in hybrid, this crossover is also offered with a V8 powertrain for those who just need straight-up power. The hybrid version – the xDrive 45e – offers 46 MPGe when running on battery power only, or 26 mpg overall. There’s plenty to love in the tech department, too, including message seats, remote start, and heated front armrests.
|
X5 (xDrive45e) |
|
|
Base Price |
$65,700 |
|
Range |
364 miles (31 all-electric) |
|
Seats |
Five |
|
Cargo Capacity |
33.1 cu. ft. |
|
Base Drive |
AWD |
XM – Built like an ox, BMW’s XM is a 3-ton performance SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The vehicle’s twin-turbo V8 combines with the electric motor to pump out 644 horsepower, but an even more powerful 735 horsepower version is said to be on the way. It may not be cheap, but it’s the pinnacle of power in BMW’s plug-in hybrid line-up.
|
XM |
|
|
Base Price |
$159,900 |
|
Range |
382 miles (30 all-electric) |
|
Seats |
Five |
|
Cargo Capacity |
18.6 cu. ft. |
|
Base Drive |
AWD |
