BMW says that mild-hybrid 48V technology is about to make its debut in the BMW 5 Series range.
From November 2019, mild-hybrid technology will be fitted as standard on the BMW 520d Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 4.1 – 4.3 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 108 –112 g/km), BMW 520d xDrive Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 4.5 – 4.7 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 117 – 123 g/km), BMW 520d Touring (fuel consumption combined: 4.3 – 4.5 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 114 – 118 g/km) and BMW 520d xDrive Touring (fuel consumption combined: 4.7 – 4.9 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 124 – 128 g/km). The fuel consumption figures of the 140 kW/190 hp four-cylinder diesel engine that powers these models will be cut by up to 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres as a result.
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The company says fitting an extremely powerful 48V starter-generator and a second battery significantly enhances the functionality of Brake Energy Regeneration by enabling the energy recuperated when braking or on the overrun to be harnessed not just for powering electrical vehicle functions, but for generating additional drive power. For this, the 48V starter-generator acts likes an electric drive unit that assists the engine, allowing the latter to operate within an efficiency-optimised load range as frequently as possible. There is also an electric overboost function which 'injects an extra dose of dynamism when accelerating under full throttle'.
The enhancements to the BMW 5 Series range also include the introduction of BMW Laserlight on further model variants. This lighting technology – which increases high-beam range to a maximum 650 metres – will be added to the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan and BMW M550d xDrive Touring from November 2019.
