[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW Announces First 48V Mild Hybrids

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BMW has announced its first mild hybrid 48V models, starting with 5 Series diesels.

What is a mild-hybrid? They are vehicles that run off a 48V battery system instead of the traditional 12V system. Mild hybrids feature a larger 48V battery that works with the conventional 12V battery. The 48V often features an integrated starter generator (which it does in BMW's just announced system), which acts as both a starter motor and a power bank to assist the engine.

The big difference between a mild hybrid and a full hybrid is that the electric motor in a mild hybrid does not actually propel the vehicle on its own. The electric motor serves only to assist the the gasoline or diesel engine. The electric motor in a mild hybrid is acting as a power booster. It also saves fuel by shutting off the gasoline/diesel engine when the vehicle is stopped, braking or cruising. The electric motor also helps the engine restart with improved efficiency.


BMW's announcement:

BMW 5 Series: mild-hybrid technology for extra sprinting power and efficiency.

September 17, 2019

In autumn 2019, BMW will present another element in its powertrain electrification strategy to accompany the ongoing expansion of its plug-in hybrid line-up. Mild-hybrid technology will make its debut in the BMW 5 Series, where it will help to both lighten the combustion engine’s workload and boost its power, meaning not just superior efficiency but sharper performance. Fitting an extremely powerful 48V starter-generator and a second battery significantly enhances the functionality of Brake Energy Regeneration by enabling the energy recuperated when braking or on the overrun to be harnessed not just for powering electrical vehicle functions, but for generating additional drive power. For this, the 48V starter-generator acts likes an electric drive unit that assists the engine, allowing the latter to operate within an efficiency-optimised load range as frequently as possible. An electric overboost function, meanwhile, injects an extra dose of dynamism when accelerating under full throttle.

The 48V starter-generator has the additional benefit of allowing the engine to be switched off with remarkably little vibration and restarted more smoothly when using the Auto Start Stop function. This also makes it possible to completely shut off the engine in coasting mode, rather than just disconnecting it from the drivetrain. As of November 2019, mild-hybrid technology will be fitted as standard on the BMW 520d Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 4.1 – 4.3 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 108 –112 g/km), BMW 520d xDrive Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 4.5 – 4.7 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 117 – 123 g/km), BMW 520d Touring (fuel consumption combined: 4.3 – 4.5 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 114 – 118 g/km) and BMW 520d xDrive Touring (fuel consumption combined: 4.7 – 4.9 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 124 – 128 g/km). The fuel consumption figures of the 140 kW/190 hp four-cylinder diesel engine that powers this quartet of models will be cut by up to 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres as a result.

The enhancements to the BMW 5 Series range also include the introduction of BMW Laserlight on further model variants. This lighting technology – which increases high-beam range to a maximum 650 metres – will be added to the wealth of innovations aboard both the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan and BMW M550d xDrive Touring from November 2019.

[Miko M]

Finally!

Mercedes took a lead a while back

[JRobUSC]

Originally Posted by Miko M

Finally!

Mercedes took a lead a while back

Finally, yes, but Mercedes didn't take the lead with anything. BMW's CLAR architecture was designed from the get go to use 48V systems, BMW could have been first out of the gate in 2015 with them. But those initial 48V systems were expensive, heavy and didn't add any extra performance or fuel economy benefits, so BMW decided not to implement them. As an example of this, look at any Mercedes or Audi model thus far that has a 48V system, and notice that despite the high power figures they're (at best) no quicker (and usually slower) than the "less powerful" BMW equivalents that don't have the 48V system, with fuel economy that is likewise no better or behind. The only tangible benefit to the first gen systems has been the advent of active suspensions (MB GLE/GLS, Audi A8, etc.), but those suspensions are optional and cost a small fortune, and as such, almost no vehicles actually have them. Frankly I applaud BMW for not doing what they usually do, and adding unnecessary technology just for the sake of saying they had it. BMW waited until the tech was worth having, and I'm pretty excited to see the results.

[bimmer456]

What's the fuel economy? Meh, I'd rather wait for the all electric 5 series after I get my solar panels. The M5e.

[Wills2]

So I guess the LCI 5er will be out then?

[vladberca]

Curious about the price evolution too.
How close it will be to the 525d model? 🤔

[billnchristy]

Mild hybrids are stupid. Look at the Suburban hybrid and other half-assed attempts that GM made.

You might get 1-2mpg if you're lucky.

[clee1982]

Is the point of hybrid more about performance? And lots of small benefit like creep silently... and much more seamless start/stop

[mbanck]

Originally Posted by Wills2

So I guess the LCI 5er will be out then?

No, the LCI will still be out in mid-2020. BMW just decided to ship all(?) the tech beforehand: First the iDrive7 / digital cluster in mid 2019 and now the 48V mild hybrid in late 2019.

[JSP]

Originally Posted by clee1982

Is the point of hybrid more about performance? And lots of small benefit like creep silently... and much more seamless start/stop

That’d be nice. Unfortunately AFAIK by definition mild hybrids cannot creep on electricity alone.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by clee1982

Is the point of hybrid more about performance? And lots of small benefit like creep silently... and much more seamless start/stop

I have the 530e and one of the nice things about it is that it DOESN'T have stop/start. It just defaults to electric mode when "stopped" and creeps forward if the foot comes off the brake.

So...at least for the current generation of BMW phevs, no stop start, not even a seamless one.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

I have the 530e and one of the nice things about it is that it DOESN'T have stop/start. It just defaults to electric mode when "stopped" and creeps forward if the foot comes off the brake.

So...at least for the current generation of BMW phevs, no stop start, not even a seamless one.

Yes of course, not thought about that as so used to ASS. So no ASS off button by the START/STOP button I assume?

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Yes of course, not thought about that as so used to ASS. So no ASS off button by the START/STOP button I assume?

Correct! No ASS off button needed nor existent.

[BimmerMat135]

Will this be available with the 6 speed manual? It seem like the 520d was one of the rare G30 available with a stick.

[beanbaguk]

Originally Posted by billnchristy

Mild hybrids are stupid. Look at the Suburban hybrid and other half-assed attempts that GM made.

You might get 1-2mpg if you're lucky.

How is that stupid? 1-2mpg extra for me is a massive saving.

I drive 600 miles per week (just over 27,500 miles per year), so the cost savings will be substantial for me and other drivers who do the same along with more power.

Still think it's stupid?

[beanbaguk]

Originally Posted by BimmerMat135

Will this be available with the 6 speed manual? It seem like the 520d was one of the rare G30 available with a stick.

But why would you want to drive a four pot diesel with a manual gearbox?

[BM dnobagaV]

Originally Posted by beanbaguk

But why would you want to drive a four pot diesel with a manual gearbox?

Because it's cheap and economical. And because a manual is more involving than an automatic.