BMW is expanding its plug-in hybrid range for the 3 Series and 5 Series by two additional models each from March. The 320e and 520e will be added to the portfolio for the saloon and Touring versions of both model series. In Germany, prices will range between 47,450 and 55,900 euros before subsidies.
In the BMW 3 Series, there will thus be four PHEV models to choose from in future, three of which will also be optionally available with BMW xDrive all-wheel drive. The BMW 5 Series will then comprise five PHEV models, three of which will have all-wheel drive as standard or as an option.
The Munich-based company describes the new vehicles as future entry-level variants. What they have in common is the plug-in hybrid system with 150 kW system output and 350 Nm torque, which is made up of a 2.0-litre internal combustion engine with 120 kW and an electric motor.
The two engines transmit their drive torque via an 8-speed gearbox to the rear wheels or, in the all-wheel-drive variants, to all four wheels. The battery of all plug-in hybrid models in the new BMW 3 Series and new BMW 5 Series is stowed under the rear seat bench. It has a gross energy content of 12 kWh. In purely electric driving mode, the new PHEVs of both model series can reach a top speed of 140 km/h.
The following performance data and prices also apply to the individual models: The 320e sedan has an electric range of 48 to 57 kilometres according to WLTP, a top speed of 225 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. The manufacturer puts fuel consumption at 1.8 to 1.3 litres/100 km (combined), electricity consumption at 18.1 to 16.1 kWh/100 km (combined) and CO2 emissions at 41 to 29 g/km (all figures according to WLTP). The sales price in Germany starts from 47,450 euros including VAT.
For the 320e Touring and 320e xDrive Touring, BMW quotes an electric range of 46 to 54 kilometres for the former and 41 to 51 kilometres for the latter. While the rear-wheel-drive model gets to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and can go up to 220 km/h, the analogous figures for the all-wheel-drive model are 8.2 seconds and 219 km/h. The combined fuel consumption is 1.9 to 1.4 litres/100 km (320e) or 2.2 to 1.5 litres/100 km (320e xDrive), the combined electricity consumption 18.6 to 16.7 kWh/100 km (320e) or 19.5 to 17.3 kWh/100 km (320e xDrive) and the combined CO2 emissions 44 to 32 g/km (320e) or 49 to 35 g/km (320e xDrive). In Germany, BMW is asking 49,000 euros for the former and 51,500 euros for the latter.
Let’s move on to the 520e sedan: it drives 46 to 55 kilometres purely electrically, sprints to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and reaches a speed of up to 225 km/h. According to the manufacturer, the combined fuel consumption of the 520e and the 520e xDrive is between 49 and 55 kilometres. According to the manufacturer, the combined fuel consumption is 1.8 to 1.3 litres/100 km, the combined electricity consumption 18.2 to 16.3 kWh/100 km and the combined CO2 emissions 41 to 30 g/km. The PHEV sedan is available for 53,700 euros.
That leaves the BMW 520e Touring, which, according to BMW, achieves 45 to 51 electric kilometres, completes the standard sprint in 8.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 218 km/h. The model consumes 1.9 to 51 kWh/100 km. The model consumes 1.9 to 1.5 litres of fuel/100 km, 18.4 to 17.0 kWh of electricity/100 km and emits 43 to 34 g CO2/km. Cost in Germany: 55 900 euros.
All models come standard with two charging cables that can be used to power the battery at conventional household sockets, wallboxes or public charging stations. With a maximum charging power of 3.7 kW, the high-voltage battery can be charged from 0 to 80 per cent in 2.6 hours and from 0 to 100 per cent in 3.6 hours. Depending on the model, the boot capacity is 375 to 430 litres; in the Touring models, the storage space can be extended to up to 1,560 litres. The maximum permissible towing capacity is 1,500 kilograms for the BMW 3 Series models and 1,700 kilograms for the BMW 5 Series models.
In addition, the quartet qualifies for the 50 per cent reduction in company car taxation and meets the requirements for a combined subsidy of a total of 6,750 euros for the 320e variants and 5,625 euros for the 520e versions. In Germany, prices after subsidies thus start at 40,700 euros (320e) or 48,075 euros (520e).
BMW also provides customers with the so-called Live Cockpit Plus including Connected Package Professional as standard equipment – and thus access to digital services, some of which are specially designed for electric mobility. These include BMW eDrive Zone for emission-free driving in specially defined zones (“geo-fencing”) and BMW Points, a reward programme for intensive use of locally emission-free mobility. Points collected can then be converted into credit that can be redeemed when charging the high-voltage battery at public BMW Charging stations.
Also on board are modern assistance systems, including the “Active Pedestrian Protection” system, a specific shift programme for the 8-speed transmission including brake downshifts and automatic climate control (with extended features on the 520e models).
From March onwards, the BMW Group will offer a total of 15 BMW brand models and one Mini model with plug-in hybrid drive. By 2023, the Munich-based company aims to have 25 electrified vehicles in its portfolio. For the 2021 financial year, the Group is also aiming to increase sales of vehicles with electrified drive by around 50 per cent compared to 2020.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
