BMW 3 Series, X3, X4 Mild Hybrids Confirmed For 2020 Launch

In a press release focusing on how the Efficient Dynamics technology has been slashing fuel consumption and consequently emissions since 2007, BMW is also announcing additional ways it will make some of its cars greener. Originally introduced last fall on the 5 Series sedan and wagon in the 520d guise with rear- and all-wheel drive, the mild-hybrid system will trickle down to the 3 Series (320d / 320d xDrive, M340d xDrive) sedan and wagon as well as the X3 and X4 crossovers in xDrive20d specification this spring.

These three will follow not just the 520d, but also the X5 and X6 in the xDrive40d specification as the two large SUVs got the 48V tech earlier this year. All these efforts are being made in a quest to shave off emissions to meet more stringent regulations in the European Union. BMW is on the right track as it has managed to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 40 percent in the last 13 years and is confident it will fully comply with the EU's upcoming targets.

The company goes on to mention it will cut emissions by 20 percent this year compared to 2019 thanks to an assortment of plug-in hybrids, EVs, and these new mild-hybrid models.

Efficient Dynamics is more than just tweaking engines to make them as frugal as possible since it's also about aerodynamic efficiency. BMW wishes to remind us the 3 Series Sedan has a best-in-class drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd thanks to its sleek shape and the third generation of the active air flap control system implemented in the grille.

The fully electric iX3 coming out late this year will take things further by riding on a newly developed set of aero wheels bringing a 5 percent drag reduction compared to the X3's standard wheels while cutting weight by 15 percent over the firm's previous aero-optimized rims.