BMW Hybrid plug in or stick with Petrol/Diesel?

[RayW1898]

Anyone got any thoughts on hybrid plug ins versus petrol/diesel BMW? I am concerned about battery life (warranty up to 60k) and the high cost of replacement. Keen to be environmentally friendly but I don’t want to get landed with a huge bill or high maintenance costs. My budget (up to 15k) may get me a 30k s/h car and I do 10/12k a year. They also seem to be more expensive to buy than traditional fuel.

[Skellum]

What are you driving now, and why are you looking at a replacement?
Reason to change can be part of what's going to be best in future.

[RayW1898]

Mazda 6 diesel and as I live in London from next October it wont be able to drive in the ULEZ zone without paying. My options are a Euro 6 Diesel, petrol or hybrid. I want to change anyway and have decided in a BMW.
I like the hybrid plug in (cheaper on fuel, more environmentally friendly) but want to know more about the reliability of batteries and any other cost implications other than fitting a plug etc before committing.

[Jag_NE]

The plug ins appear to be a convenient company car tax fiddle. As you say, they cost more but they are also heavier with the liability of the battery and very low E range. I’d just get a 520i.

[TheDrownedApe]

I live in the country, have a drive and 95% of my journeys are under 20 miles. A PHEV is perfect for me but the price is the killer

But for all those Business users who will never charge it; it's perfect for their BIK.

Complete madness

On topic - 330e estate is perfect for all my needs, but i will keep my 120d until i can afford one

[ZX10R NIN]

RayW1898 said:

Mazda 6 diesel and as I live in London from next October it wont be able to drive in the ULEZ zone without paying. My options are a Euro 6 Diesel, petrol or hybrid. I want to change anyway and have decided in a BMW.
I like the hybrid plug in (cheaper on fuel, more environmentally friendly) but want to know more about the reliability of batteries and any other cost implications other than fitting a plug etc before committing.

When you say more environmentally friendly what do you mean if you mean emissions yes a plug in hybrid is better than both but batteries aren't environmentally friendly in the long term but that's the way we're going.

The most environmentally friendly option is buying the right drivetrain for your usage at 15k & 10-12k a year you're on the cusp of all types of drivetrain so workout your most prominent usage.

I'm assuming you're doing long enough journeys in the Mazda not to have had any DPF issues?

BMW Options:

535 Active Hybrid

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010094...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011256...

335i Active Hybrid

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101158...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101278...

330e Hybrid

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101057...

330e Plug in Hybrid

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010265...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011256...

330d M Sport great cars nice power with sensible running costs, if your journey type suits (I know this is an unpopular stance) then this is the pick.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101097...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011206...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009183...

320d M Sport with Pro Nav/HK

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102028...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102048...

All are ULEZ compliant just pick the one that suits YOU best.

Hybrid wise I'd say look at the IS300 F Sport 225

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010114...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011266...

Or the Infiniti Q50 3.5h 360

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065...

Petrol options:

328i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012267...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101218...

330i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102068...

335i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101057...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Saturday 6th February 10:04

[GTEYE]

Having had a 330e, 330d and 320d, I’d say the 320d is the pick of that bunch. There’s more to choose from than with the 330d and plenty of real world performance - although most on PH will tell you that the minimum you’ll need will be 335d, but as an everyday driver it’s just not true. Especially as you live inside the M25.

The 330e of that era is a BIK tax dodge, the electric range is poor and you end up driving a very thirsty 320i. The G30 gen 330e is better but expensive at present.

[RayW1898]

Really helpful replies - thanks! I am getting the feeling that the hybrid plug in may not be the most environmental/cost efficient option in the longer term. I’ll trawl through some of the options you have given me above look at them.

Our driving is fairly mixed - most trips are less than 20 mile round trips but we do a reasonable amount of longer motorway trips (at least one 150 mile round trips month/sometime more) so Petrol/euro 6 diesel may be better. Any other thoughts really welcome.

[ZX10R NIN]

I agree the BMW hybrid options are limited at the moment the other two none BMW hybrids will serve you just fine, now if it has to be a BMW I'd say it's out of the 328i or 330d both are very good the 330d is the sweeter unit imo & it sounds like it'll serve you well.

Test drive both to see which you prefer.

[RayW1898]

Thanks! Appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.