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.
Online slots have long been a favorite for casual gamers and seasoned bettors alike, offering simple gameplay combined with the thrill of potential rewards. However, as the landscape of online gaming continues to evolve, a new wave of slot games is emerging—one that incorporates puzzle mechanics into the traditional reel-spinning experience. These puzzle-based slots are changing the way players engage with the game, offering more interactive and challenging gameplay that goes beyond the usual spin-and-win formula.
In this article, we’ll explore how puzzle mechanics are transforming the world of online slots, why they are gaining popularity, and what players can expect from this innovative trend.
The Evolution of Online Slots
A Brief History of Slot Games
Slots have come a long way since the days of mechanical machines with just three reels and a lever to pull. The digital transformation brought these games online, making them more accessible and varied. Early online slot games mimicked the physical versions, with similar symbols and basic gameplay. As technology advanced, developers began incorporating themes, storylines, and special features like bonus rounds and free spins, making online slots more immersive than ever before.
What Are Puzzle Mechanics?
Puzzle mechanics in games are features that require players to solve problems, think strategically, or perform certain actions in a specific sequence to progress. Popular in genres like adventure or mobile games, puzzle mechanics are now finding their way into online slots. Instead of relying solely on luck, players can now enjoy a more engaging and mentally stimulating experience by solving puzzles while they spin the reels.
In puzzle-based slots, players might be required to match symbols in a certain way, clear the board, or complete a specific objective to unlock rewards. These mechanics provide an added challenge, requiring not just chance but also skill and strategy.
How Puzzle Mechanics Enhance Online Slots?
Increased Player Engagement
One of the key reasons puzzle mechanics are gaining popularity in online slots is that they significantly increase player engagement. Slot gacor hari ini can become repetitive after a while, with players simply pressing a button and waiting for the outcome. Puzzle elements, on the other hand, give players more control and decision-making opportunities during gameplay.
By combining skill and chance, puzzle mechanics keep players invested longer. Each spin becomes part of a larger strategy to solve the puzzle, giving players a sense of accomplishment when they succeed.
More Rewarding Experiences
Puzzle mechanics also create a more rewarding experience. In many of these games, completing a puzzle or solving a problem leads to bigger bonuses, extra spins, or unlocking new levels within the game. This contrasts with traditional slots, where payouts are often random and disconnected from the player’s actions.
In puzzle-based slots, players may be able to unlock progressive rewards by completing various stages, making each win feel more earned. The satisfaction of solving a puzzle adds an extra layer of excitement, as it’s not just about hitting the jackpot but also about progressing through the game.
A Shift in Focus: From Luck to Strategy
While luck still plays a significant role in puzzle-based slots, the introduction of strategy adds a new dimension to the gameplay. In traditional slots, outcomes are purely based on chance, with random number generators (RNG) determining the result of each spin. Puzzle mechanics shift the focus by giving players more agency over the game’s outcome.
Examples of Puzzle-Based Slot Games
Popular Titles Leading the Way
Several puzzle-based slot games are already making waves in the industry. These games combine the familiar elements of online slots with puzzle-solving features, creating a unique and exciting experience for players.
Gonzo’s Quest: One of the most popular examples of a puzzle-based slot game, Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt, incorporates cascading reels and multipliers that increase with each consecutive win. Players must clear symbols to uncover hidden treasures, and the puzzle-like gameplay makes each spin more strategic.
Finn and the Swirly Spin: Another example from NetEnt, this slot uses a spiral mechanic where symbols move in a swirl rather than traditional paylines. Players must clear symbols in a specific order to unlock features, creating a puzzle-like experience that requires more than just pressing spin.
Reactoonz: This game by Play’n GO features a grid layout rather than traditional reels, with symbols that explode and collapse to form winning combinations. Players must think ahead to trigger special bonuses by clearing enough symbols, making the gameplay highly interactive.
These titles are just a few examples of how puzzle mechanics are being incorporated into slot games, offering players more than just a reliance on luck.
Conclusion
Puzzle mechanics are changing the way we play online slots by adding a layer of complexity and interaction that wasn’t previously available. These games offer more engaging, rewarding, and strategic experiences, appealing to both casual players and those looking for a more involved gaming session. As the trend continues to grow, puzzle-based slots will likely become a staple in the world of online gaming, revolutionizing how we think about and play these classic games.
MONTREAL – Lightspeed Commerce Inc. says it is conducting a review of its business and operations including talks relating to a range of potential strategic alternatives.
The Montreal-based payments technology company made the comments after reports concerning a potential transaction involving the company.
Lightspeed says it periodically undertakes a review of its business and operations with a view of realizing its full potential.
A strategic review is often seen by investors as a prelude to a sale by a company.
Lightspeed says its board of directors is committed to acting in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.
Company founder Dax Dasilva returned to the role of chief executive officer earlier this year and has been working to return the company to profitability.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2024.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
