Big Motoring World reviews hybrid BMW i3

Big Motoring World reviews the sustainable, silent and quirky BMW i3 – the latest hybrid to be released by the German automaker which is taking the market by storm.

The beauty of a hybrid, aside from its flawless efficiency and low carbon emissions, is its silence on the roads. Rather than just a show-off for the latest technology and engineering, it’s a serious proposition which continues to bridge the gap between fashion and efficiency. The i3 is sensible, practical and ideal for city driving. It’s seriously light with its carbon-fibre reinforced plastic frame.

Range

Much has been said about the practicality of a hybrid for longer journeys, as you need to be charged up and in range of power. The battery doesn’t last as long as a petrol engine – however, the changeover to the two-cylinder range-extending petrol engine is seamless. The engine takes nine litres of petrol, so it’s compact but gets you through the rest of your journey and keeps the weight of the car to a minimal. And the dashboard will keep you right up to date with all the information you require in a prompt, efficient manner.

Interior

Of course, this vehicle is all about travelling light so it’s compact inside but there’s plenty of style and substance in the cabin. A slick leather interior is naturally tanned with an olive oil leaf-based agent, with a wooden dashboard complementing the latest technology.

BMW

BMW is going big on electric and this car is right up there with the best they’ve released to date. As well as its efficiency and stylish look, the power is incredible as it goes 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds. It also hits a top speed of 93mph – what more could you need?

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews: Mercedes GLC 350e hybrid 2016

Big Motoring World reviews the Mercedes GLC 350e hybrid, designed to be efficient and sporty. The GLC 350 is fast and refined to perfection, with impressive Co2 emissions and fuel economy. With its elegant exterior and broad engine choices, it's expected to outsell its obvious competitors.

Efficient

The GLC hybrid is capable of driving around 20 miles on battery power alone, and it can be charged from empty to full on a Level 2 charger in under two hours. If you are able to charge regularly and your commute is less than 21 miles, you could effectively never fill the 350e with unleaded fuel. It is quoted to produce economy of 109mpg, and just 60g/km of CO2.

On the road

The GLC 350e is a plug-in hybrid that is equipped with an 85kW electric motor which works in tandem with the 2.0 turbo. It has a combined power output of 235kW which can pull the SUV from rest to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds, topping out at 146mph. When you really step on the gas this motor bursts into life; the instant torque is immediately noticeable and it offers impressive straight-line speed. The GLC 350e also uses a seven-speed automatic transmission, enabling smoother gear shifting.

Driving modes

The plug-in GLC offers up a variety of extra driving modes, including an electric mode, a hybrid mode and a charge mode that uses the engine to charge the battery while driving. The GLC 350e drives equally as well as the petrol and diesel versions, motoring along without drama on electricity, and seamlessly switching to the engine when needed.

Hybrid mode

In hybrid mode the four-cylinder petrol engine combines with the electric motor to make the car even more efficient and just as quick. When you ease off the accelerator the two disengage, which generates more energy for the battery, but the pair couple up again to produce a sharp burst of acceleration when overtaking slow moving traffic.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.