Volvo XC40 2021 review: Recharge PHEV – How does the plug-in hybrid go around town? - CarsGuide

Volvo XC40 2021 review: Recharge PHEV – How does the plug-in hybrid go around town?  CarsGuide

2018 BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrid Review

The 3-series Plug-in Hybrid is BMW’s current eco-friendly offering in its sporty luxury sedan range. It has been on sale since 2016 and whereas its predecessor, the ActiveHybrid 3 was based on the performance oriented 335i, this model shares some of its running gear with the more efficient base 320i.

The 330e iPerformance Plug-in Hybrid has received the same updates for 2018 along with the rest of the 3-series range which means an update infotainment system and minor trim changes.

What’s it like inside?

Stepping into this hybrid it is clear that BMW is using a different approach from its stylistically futuristic i3 and i8 sub-brands. Save for a few additional dashboard dials, the interior of the Plug-in 3-series looks very much like the rest of the range.

The quality levels are up there with the best in class, minor controls and buttons are laid out in the usual logical BMW manner.

The battery pack is situated beneath the trunk so passenger space is identical to the gasoline powered cars and there is ample space for occupants in the front and the rear. The slightly reduced cargo space is still more than acceptable and the rear seats still fold forward to increase load space if required.

How does it drive?

The additional weight of the hybrid running gear does dampen the overall agility of this 3-Series and while it handles corners and bumpy roads with impressive poise and balance, there is little of that traditional driver focused feeling.

The drivetrain allows for short periods of pure electric driving and the transition to the gasoline engine is unobtrusive enough, the transmission is also smooth and capable in most conditions. The cabin is a quiet place and it needs to be as the buzz of an internal combustion engine is not always on hand to mask potential creaks and rattles.

An available smart navigation system will pre-assess a route and manage the battery charging and gasoline/electric powertrain split to optimize the fuel consumption.

What about the performance?

The 330e iPerformance is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which is combined with an electric drivetrain to produce a total of 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard.

Equaling the 330i on power output, the heavier 330e gets to 60mph in 5.9-seconds versus 5.5. So, it may trail the conventionally powered 330i but against other hybrids this is a class-leading result and while consumption is heavily driver and situation dependent, a combined 71eMPG figure comprehensively outguns the 330i’s 34 mpg.

Light-footed driving in the Max eDrive mode will keep the car in full electric mode up to a speed of 75mph and a range of 14 miles in this mode is claimed under ideal conditions. There is not much power available in this mode and a heavy prod of the throttle will have the gasoline engine jumping into life to help out.

Charging can be done either at home overnight or much faster at a dedicated charging station, the Save Battery driving mode also allows the engine to maintain the battery at 50% charge although this will lower fuel economy levels.

What are my options?

The 330e is available in one basic trim option that can be specified in either Sport Line, Luxury, Shadow Sport Edition and M Sport Design packages. All offer various visual differences and minor detail changes excepting the M Sport option which adds also includes, sporty suspension a sunroof and comfort access.

Standard equipment includes power front seats, climate control and cruise control and a number of options are available either as part of a Convenience, Premium or Executive tier or individually. Notable items include a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, Harman Kardon surround audio system and Apple Car Play functionality.

The Driving Assistance Package is a notable available extra and includes frontal collision and pedestrian warning, lane departure warning and automated braking systems.

The Verdict

The integration of hybrid technology into the existing 3-Series platform has potentially yielded the most fuel-efficient model in the range, although in real-world driving conditions the highly efficient gasoline and diesel variants may be the 330e’s biggest challengers.

A slightly numb driving experience also detracts from what is an otherwise impressive package, but once again these strengths are also available in the rest of the range and at a lower price, making the 330e a bit of a niche offering.

These Are The Best Selling Plug-In Hybrids And EVs Of 2018

People really love these plug-in hybrids and electric models.

Electric vehicles and plug-ins are becoming more and more mainstream, while the incoming wave of luxury EVs from Audi, Jaguar, Porsche, and others will bolster electric sales even more. EV sales may falter when the $7,500 tax credit runs out, but that remains to be seen. For now, plug-in hybrid and EV sales have been increasing, and Inside EVs has been keeping score. The electric-focused publication has tallied up plug-in and EV sales now that we are more than halfway through the year, to find the 10 best sellers of 2018 (so far).

It is worth noting that GM and Tesla don't provide monthly sales figures, so these numbers were estimated. There should be no surprises at number one, where the Tesla Model 3 slots in as the best seller. Tesla moved 18,305 Model 3 sedans through May of 2018, and has finally reached its production goal of building 5,000 cars per week. At number two, the Toyota Prius Prime sits as one of only three plug-in hybrid models on this list with 12,018 units sold through May. The Tesla Model S and Model X sit at three and four, with 8,070 and 6,975 units estimated through May respectively.

The GM twins occupy the five and six spots, with the all-electric Bolt edging out the gas-electric Volt with 6,775 units sold compared to 6,478. The Nissan Leaf comes in at number seven with 5,292 units, which is impressive considering the car only went on sale in March. The Honda Clarity Plug-In ranks at eight, with 5,225 units sold, and the Ford Fusion Energi comes in at nine with 3,698 units sold. Finally, the BMW i3 manages to eek onto the list with 2,924 units sold in 2018.

2018 BMW 5 Series Plug-in Hybrid Review

The BMW 5-series has only recently been fully redesigned and offers some of the latest technology in the segment. For 2018 it adds to the existing model range with the introduction of the hybrid 530e iPerformance.

With performance levels equaling its gasoline powered counterpart but the potential for much improved fuel efficiency, the 530e may be just what economy-minded shoppers have been looking for.

What’s it like inside?

The interior of the 530e follows the rest of the revised 5-series range with a modern minimalist dashboard design, large infotainment screen and top-quality materials throughout. The only hint that there is an electric drivetrain attached to the conventional gasoline motor are some additional cockpit instruments.

The seats are firm but offer good support for the front occupants while the rear row will seat three in comfort, although it helps to have the smallest passenger seated in the middle. The trunk is slightly smaller thanks to the placement of the battery pack but it should still be generous enough for most and the rear seatbacks retain their fold-down capability.

How does it drive?

Weighing around 500 pounds more than the standard 530i, the 530e iPerformance masks its additional girth rather well. It helps that most of the weight is low down as this gives the big sedan a very sure-footed and stable feel around bends.

The controls and transmission respond just like they would in a conventionally powered car and the transition between fully electric and gasoline assisted modes is imperceptible.

The 5-series is well-damped and offers excellent bump absorption and very little road noise makes its way into the cabin.

What about the performance?

The 530e features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine to provide 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A smooth 8-speed automatic transmission works in conjunction with either rear or all-wheel drive.

The 0-60 mph time is a commendable 6.0-seconds with the rear-wheel drive setup or 5.8-seconds with all-wheel drive. These figures are identical to the 530i and rather quick for a hybrid vehicle. The 530e is also capable of limited all-electric running and depending on the driver selected driver modes, can be configured to run on a combination of the two powerplants.

Fuel economy is a claimed 72MPGe for RWD models and 67 MPGe for the AWD cars. Real-world efficiency will be heavily dependent on how often you take advantage of the electric powerplant.

What are my options?

The 530e shares its specification levels with the rest of the 5-series range and while there is one trim level, you can choose from a number of packages to personalize your vehicle.

To start things off you get to choose from between a Sport line, Luxury or M Sport Design style packs which adds unique aesthetic options to your BMW and in the case of the M Sport you also get sports suspension and larger alloy wheels.

Basic equipment includes LED lighting, 10.2-inch infotainment system with navigation and gesture controls, a 12-speaker audio system and power front seats with memory settings. A power sunroof and leatherette seat coverings are also part of the standard equipment. A Premium and Executive Tier can also be optioned which bundle some available options together.

A number of packages are available based on which tier and design style is chosen. The Parking Assistance Package which adds a rearview camera, active park distance control, parking assistant plus and a surround camera system.

The Dynamic Handling Package adds M Sport brakes and dynamic damper control while the Driving Assistance Plus Package offers a range of safety systems such as lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, city collision mitigation and pedestrian protection.

Some notable standalone options include wireless charging and WiFi hotspot, head-up display, soft-close doors, power tailgate, two audio system upgrades, night vision and power rear sunshades.

The Verdict

The dynamic agility that has defined the BMW 5-series for decades has not been diluted in the move to a hybrid powertrain, the 530e promises identical performance and pricing to the 530i with the added benefit of enhanced fuel efficiency.

With very little to differentiate it from the rest of the 5-series range in both design and driving experience, the 530e promises hybrid economy benefits without the usual drawbacks. That is if your driving routine and style can make the most of the electric powertrain.

2018 BMW 7 Series Plug-in Hybrid Review

Those in the market for a BMW 7 Series are hardly the ones looking to rack up fuel savings by means of electric augmentation. So the 7 Series Plug-in Hybrid, dubbed the 740e xDrive, forming part of the PHEV ‘iPerformance range’ from BMW would seem to be more about bragging rights – pairing electrified performance with bold efficiency claims and the premise that, though you may be wealthy, you still care for the environment. Pairing a 9.2kWh battery pack with a 2.0-liter turbo combustion engine, this is perhaps best described as luxury with a clean conscience.

Interior

Electrified or not, this is still a BMW 7 Series. That means it includes all the luxury appointments you’d expect from BMW’s halo model luxury sedan. Plush leathers and a variety of inlays such as wood and aluminum adorn the cabin’s surfaces, with a definitive lack of harsh plastics. The cabin is light and airy and affords massive amounts of space for all occupants. The 14-way power adjustable heated leather seats are supremely comfortable, aided by standard four-zone climate control.

Rear occupants are treated, not just to the extra zones of climate, but to masses of head and leg room. Both front and rear occupants have sunroofs overhead, and those lazy enough to not close the doors completely will be glad to know that power closing doors are standard. Though trunk space is generous, the battery pack mounted under its floor impedes cargo volume and limits it to just 14.8 cubic feet.

Driving (Ride and Handling)

Air suspension and selectable drive modes are standard for the 740e xDrive iPerformance. As such the ride is as plush as to be expected from a luxury car of this size, soaking up imperfections and filtering out ruts and cracks imperceptibly. At the push of a button, the adaptive suspension firms up to offer high levels of support and athleticism that belie the sheer size of the 740e iPerformance. With that said, this is no Jaguar XJ; it’s not an involving driver’s tool no matter how much the systems may try to feign it. BMW has lost their edge in making involving driver’s cars of all sizes, and the 7 Series is the latest victim. The performance is there from the hybrid drivetrain, but the feel isn’t. The electronically power-assisted steering system offers ample weighting in various modes, but overall lacks feel and feedback. The front end feels blunted, and though adept, this is just a luxury sedan and nothing more.

Performance (Engine and Transmission)

Hybridization has many benefits. In addition to a claimed 64 MPG equivalent rated by the EPA, and a 14-mile pure electric range, there’s also the hit of electric torque. A 111 horsepower electric motor with 184 lb-ft of torque combines with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine (255hp, 295 lb-ft) to develop combined maximum outputs of 322hp and 369 lb-ft. Power is sent to all 4 wheels via the exceptional 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. 0-60mph takes a claimed 5.1 seconds, and a full charge of the 9.2kWh lithium-ion battery takes 2.7 hours in ideal circumstances.

Equipment and Safety

In addition to the aforementioned interior amenities, the 740e iPerformance also comes standard with a power trunk lid, adaptive LED headlights, and front and rear park sensors. A standard 10.2-inch iDrive infotainment system features both rotary and touch control options, and boasts available gesture control too. Adding options quickly drives the price skyward, though the available luxury is plentiful with options like a heads-up display, massaging front and rear seats, and semi-autonomous driving available. The 7 Series hasn’t been crash tested, but available safety features include a night-vision camera, automatic emergency braking with forward collision alert, and lane keeping assist.

Verdict

The 7 Series is no longer the driver’s choice of large luxury sedan. But with the 740e iPerformance plug-in hybrid, it’s a technological tour de force that pioneers future technologies in a car available today. BMW has compromised on its heritage, but technophiles and millennials won’t give a damn when this sort of tech is available.

Volvo V70 Plug-In Diesel-Electric Hybrid

The 2015 Sedona now looks like a proper Kia, complete with the company鈥檚 now famous 鈥榯iger-nose鈥?grille. They are now only one point from safety in what looks like a very tight finale to the season. However, for whom the more prestigious 5 or 7 series vehicles are financially out of reach. If Mercedes had completed gutted the car for performance purposes (Porsche 911 GT3 RS-style), I would have understood why, but since that's not the AMG way, I would have expected more than a standard-fare C-Class interior. Either way, Volvo has created a prototype diesel hybrid wagon that aims to revolutionize sport wagons (and a lot of segments for that matter). When the driver presses this switch briefly, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) switches to the "ESC Sport" mode. Upon request, Audi will equip all quattro versions with the sport differential, which distributes the power in continuously variable proportions between the rear wheels.

Navigation - reversing camera - blind spot assist - active park assist - automatic led head lights - rain sensing wipers - parking sensors front and rear. You could choose from the Mercedes Benz automatic transmission or the 5 speed dog leg manual transmission. My cats started making noise and given that my Benz is just over 8 years, by 3 months! The expansive hood is perfectly proportioned and does an excellent job of making the 179-inch AMG GT appear longer than it really is. That explains the eight AMG exterior badges, I guess. All of Chilton's online content for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is updated monthly, so you'll have the most recent information on hand for any Do-It-Yourself project. Mercedes-Benz C 200 CGI (Elegance) Blue Efficiency Rs. One could also look in the classifed section of a local newspaper or check with auto dealers in their area. Luxury sedans are one of the most popular and versatile cars within the premium auto market.

2018 audi2019 audi q6 review audi cars 2019 audi q6 review, audi 2019 audi q6 review audi reviews. The Audi A1 S Line Blending Technology With Maximum Sporting Appeal The Audi A1 S Line From 16,860 Rotr. The driver information system with rest recommendation function detects when the driver is getting tired and recommends taking a rest. The prices shown above, may vary from region to region, as will incentives, and are subject to change. This little crossover will slip in beneath the newly enlarged tiguan to anchor the lower end of vw's cuv range. The car seemed to become slightly smaller, but a little sportier, lighter, and definitely faster. Nissan's not-so-stellar resale prices can be an advantage to used car buyers as prices range from P120,000-P170,000 in varying variants and conditions (do take note that the prices do not include the Exalta variant). The only thing that can be worse than cold weather is cold weather that has snow and ice.

You can go to your mobile desktop features of Laptop DesktopFeatures to change the wallpaper of your device. What could be the loss of a brand new owner can be the gain of a used car buyer. BMW: a smaller group, but includes MINI so they can sellshedloads of FWD vehicles without muting their RWD-is-awesomedrum . Just imagine how many people, expecting the men's or lady's room, interrupted the PM in deep contemplation before he told his assistant to post this sign. With a humongous boot that both deep and wide, the Jetta has no luggage issues for all 5 occupants driving off to some secluded resort for a long weekend getaway. The sleek and trimmed body of the car is extremely composed at high speeds and it has a practical sized boot. Starting with a classic three-volume architecture, Bertone designers have shaped the taut, muscular body with bold yet refined character, entirely constructed with handmade aluminum panels in true Italian "coachbuilder" tradition. 3-seat rows there are plenty of room for the larger number of people, providing an.