225xe - anyone got one?

[jamiebae]

I'm considering a 2 series BMW and these look like decent value for money compared to the regular versions. I've always liked the idea of some kind of electric power and this looks like a low impact and practical way to give it a try.

What's the electric range like, and given the tiny fuel tank how far can you actually go on a long run before you have to refuel? Our driving is split between local pottering (should be possible on electric power only) and long trips of 500-1,000km so if it has the range of a motorbike then it's going to irritate me.

Any other thoughts or tips? I want 4WD for ski trips, and would prefer petrol (not a deal breaker, 220d is also possible) so it seems to make sense and cost me less than the normal 225i xDrive so I'm slightly tempted, it's just a shame they don't do the 7 seat version with that drivetrain.

[Otispunkmeyer]

jamiebae said:

I'm considering a 2 series BMW and these look like decent value for money compared to the regular versions. I've always liked the idea of some kind of electric power and this looks like a low impact and practical way to give it a try.

What's the electric range like, and given the tiny fuel tank how far can you actually go on a long run before you have to refuel? Our driving is split between local pottering (should be possible on electric power only) and long trips of 500-1,000km so if it has the range of a motorbike then it's going to irritate me.

Any other thoughts or tips? I want 4WD for ski trips, and would prefer petrol (not a deal breaker, 220d is also possible) so it seems to make sense and cost me less than the normal 225i xDrive so I'm slightly tempted, it's just a shame they don't do the 7 seat version with that drivetrain.

BMW claim 25 miles to a charge. Normally EV works up to 50 MPH, but you can put it in a mode that will then let you do 78MPH.

They then claim 343 miles combined range.

I think you could probably bank on 20 miles and closer to 300.

A guy at work has one. If I see him (he's only there sporadically), Ill collar him and ask him. Its not a bad looking car for my money. He has a silver one with light interior and its quite smart I think.

[Orion917]

Not got one but it's probably very similar to the 330e that I do have:-

Claimed 25 miles EV range = 18 in summer, 12 in winter. Less if you use the climate control (-10%).

Range = Long journeys 350 miles at low to mid forties MPG. Pottering around with frequent charging 500 miles between fills. My 330e averages 57 MPG all in.

[Orion917]

After waiting several months for an order confirmation from our company lease provider, they announced today that BMW have stopped production of the Luxury variant of the 225xe Active Cruiser. The chap who was ordering just had to choose between the Sport and M Sport versions instead.

[Jonobigblind]

That’s interesting as I’d noticed that the Luxury spec has dropped off the quote engine for the 330e as well over the last couple of days.

Defo the new Mini Countryman PHEV All4 for me then.

[steveinarizona]

Orion917 said:

Not got one but it's probably very similar to the 330e that I do have:-

Claimed 25 miles EV range = 18 in summer, 12 in winter. Less if you use the climate control (-10%).

Range = Long journeys 350 miles at low to mid forties MPG. Pottering around with frequent charging 500 miles between fills. My 330e averages 57 MPG all in.

I have the opposite problem. Here in Arizona I get 16 or more miles in the winter (when the termperature is temporate) and it drops to around 10 in the hot summer.

[jamiebae]

To close this one off, on Wednesday I took delivery of a 220d xDrive GT Lux. We decided that the extra space (and seats) of the GT would be more useful than the reduced running costs of the 225 xe, and as the plug-in is only available as an Active Tourer we went diesel instead.

[aberdeeneuan]

Met a guy at work who has a 225xe, he really liked it. Family car, but does travel with work so was a good compromise for him and he enjoyed it. Essentially it’s the Mini Countryman e model under the covers.

My wife has the 2 series gt, and while bmw people get snotty about it as it’s fwd it’s a brilliant family car. Ours did 2k in the summer in France quite happily. Though I was quite happy getting back to my 330e when we got home!

[jamiebae]

I've only done about 120km since I collected it, but it seems nice enough so far. The stereo has the 'hifi' upgrade but still doesn't sound great and with the windows down you hear a lot of engine noise but the cabin is fairly quiet otherwise. I'm sure it'll be perfect as a family car but at the moment I'm really missing my old Evoque!