Later this year, BMW will introduce mild hybrid power to the 3 Series, X3 and X4, it will add an entry level 318i, and will make the 120d available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
From March/April, the BMW 320d, including the touring and all-wheel drive xDrive versions, as well as the X3 and X4 xDrive20d, will gain mild hybrid assistance. A 48V starter-generator and a small battery are promised to boost performance and lower fuel consumption.
The 48V system also allows the engine to turn off below 10mph when slowing down. Start-stop should be smoother and at speeds up to 100mph, the combustion engine can be disconnected.
The 3 Series will become available in entry-level 318i form in spring. Unlike the previous-generation 318i, which had a three-cylinder engine, the new 318i will be powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 156hp and 184lb.ft.
As usual, the 318i can be ordered either as a saloon or a ‘touring’ estate. The only gearbox option is the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission
The BMW 120d, which has so far only been available with xDrive all-wheel drive, will become available with just front-wheel drive. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Finally, BMW continues to make more models compliant with RDE2 Euro 6d emission standards. As from the spring of 2020, 33 further models will be RDE2-compliant, bringing BMW’s total to 40.
