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The sleek and understated iNext crossover parked under a low-hanging tree.

BMW Makes Big Moves Toward More Sustainable Future

Over the years, BMW committed to introducing more electrified vehicles to outpace its luxury rivals. In the spring, BMW  unveiled a series of plug-in hybrids for 2021. Now, the German-based automaker is taking its lineup to the next level to accomplish its goal of having 25 electrified vehicles by 2023. BMW’s sustainability goals The iconic BMW brand is still going strong, …

Over the years, BMW committed to introducing more electrified vehicles to outpace its luxury rivals. In the spring, BMW  unveiled a series of plug-in hybrids for 2021. Now, the German-based automaker is taking its lineup to the next level to accomplish its goal of having 25 electrified vehicles by 2023.

BMW’s sustainability goals

A BMW emblem on the front of a car
The BMW logo | ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

The iconic BMW brand is still going strong, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the pandemic intensified, BMW’s primary goal has been to preserve cash. The company’s second goal has been to prepare for a more sustainable future. 

“Sustainability and digitisation are the key issues of the coming decade. Particularly in these challenging times we need to set the right course in this respect,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “We not only combine product excellence with state-of-the-art digital technologies – we also design them to promote our sustainability goals. Our customers as well as society in general will benefit from this strategy.”

BMW

BMW iNext

The sleek and understated iNext crossover parked under a low-hanging tree.
2021 BMW Vision iNext | BMW

BMW said that some of its fastest-selling vehicles in Europe are electric. Among these is the iNext, which is a battery-powered crossover. As AutoNews highlighted, the iNext is about the same as the X5. The new iNext features a 63-kWh battery pack that provides 335-horsepower and 285 miles of range. What’s even more exciting is that this new option will launch with Level self-driving technology. 

More BMW electric SUVs to choose from

A blue 2021 BMW X3 at sunset.
2021 BMW X3 | BMW

BMW is releasing an overwhelming amount of new products in a short period. The company will unveil 12 new products within the next year. Of course, BMW had to electrify its top-selling model, the X3 crossover. The new X3 xDrive30e PHEV gets its power from a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine linked to an electric motor. Together, these two power sources generate 292-horsepower. But what’s less impressive is that X3 only has an all-electric range of 20 miles. 

The iX3, BMW’s first electric crossover SUV, was set to arrive in the U.S. market in 2021. However, the automaker decided that the SUV’s low driving range and the absence of all-wheel-drive wouldn’t do much to appeal to U.S. buyers, as we reported in March.

Smaller electric options

A new BMW 3 Series on display at an auto show
A BMW 3 Series on display | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

Back in the spring, BMW introduced its new PHEV sedans as part of the 2021 3 Series. The new 3 Series officially rolled out in July and offers the same classic design, but now features a gutsier engine and larger battery for an extended drive range. More charging stations will be available too.

BMW’s popular 5 Series will also have an electrified option. Its six-cylinder model will feature a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This lineup will have an updated exterior design complete with a new grill and mild interior upgrades.  

Additionally, the 7 Series is due for a redesign that BMW is planning for 2022. For the 2022 model year, the 7 Series will be available for the first time as an all-electric model. This large sedan will be available as a PHEV as well. BMW’s first all-electric option, the i3, won’t have any significant changes. The i3’s funky style continues to boost its popularity.