BMW Intrdoces Two New Plug-In Hybrids Ahead Of Frankfurt Auto Show

Sep 04, 2015 11:46 AM EDT | John Nassivera

BMW has introduced two new plug-in vehicles that it plans to launch at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The new petrol-electric cars include the 225xe, a version of the 2 Series Active Tourer, and the 330e, a variant of the 3 Series sedan, according to Green Car Reports.

However, U.S. drivers will be disappointed to hear that the 225xe isn't expected to be available in North America, as the German automaker has yet to decide on whether to offer it to U.S. consumers.

Features of the 300e include a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that works with an eight-speed automatic transmission, BMW previously said. The integration provides 248 horsepower, giving the car the ability to go from 0 to 62 mph in six seconds and reach a top speed of 140 mph.

The 225xe, which can travel up to 25 miles using only electric power, gives drivers the options of front, rear and four-wheel drive since it uses the same plug-in hybrid technology found in the i8 sports car, Autocar reported.

The car has a top speed of 126 mph so that it saves the energy in its 7.7kWh lithium ion battery.

While few details were revealed about the 225xe's powertrain, it is expected to be similar to the prototype that BMW unveiled in July, which provided a "through the road" hybrid all-wheel drive with its 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission for driving the front wheels and an electric motor for driving the rear wheels, Green Car Reports noted.

The 300e and 225xe are the latest additions to BMW's line of plug-in hybrids, which currently includes the i8 coupe, 740 XDrive sedan, X5 xDrive40e SUV, all-electric i3 and 5 Series variant.

Drivers will have to wait until the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show, which begins on Sept. 17, to find out more details about the new plug-ins.

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