BMW Group celebrates success at the What Car? Electric Car Awards 2022

BMW Group was highly successful at the 2022 What Car? Electric Car Awards, securing four prized category wins across the Group’s electrified model portfolio.

The BMW iX xDrive50, X5 xDrive45e and 330e all took the top spot in their respective class. A further win was bagged by MINI, as the Countryman PHEV was crowned Best Used Hybrid Small SUV.

Powered by the combination of a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor producing 292hp, the BMW 330e took home the illustrious ‘Best Used Hybrid Executive Car’ award.

Steve Huntingford, Editor, What Car? said, “The 3 Series is often hailed as a brilliant all-rounder, but the 330e version takes that to another level. It marries the standard car’s expert blend of refinement, luxury and fun with a plug-in hybrid set-up for impressive fuel economy, low CO2 emissions and stonking performance. The handling is sharp and well balanced, too, and the 330e is a fine cruiser, especially if adaptive suspension (optional from new as part of the Pro Pack) is fitted.”

The BMW X5 xDrive45e retains its award from 2021, taking home the award for ‘prestigious Best Hybrid Luxury SUV’. Judges commended the cars impressive electric range, with the ability to travel up to 52 miles solely on electric power, drivers can take advantage of some serious savings on fuel.

The interior quality, eight-speed automatic gear box and air suspension was also praised by judges, with Huntingford commenting, “The interior is beautifully finished, with hugely supportive seats and the best infotainment system around. What's more, you're brilliantly isolated from wind noise, the eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts almost imperceptibly, and the air suspension is beautifully judged.”

Adding another award to its portfolio, the BMW iX xDrive50 was crowned ‘Best Electric Luxury SUV’ – an eighth UK industry award for the iX in 2022 alone. Huntington paid tribute to the cars innovative design choices, stating, "The iX is made from exotic materials, which reduce how much the car weighs and help maximise how far it can go between charges. Indeed, our favoured xDrive50 model can get you from London to the Lake District without having to top up. You’d also be hard pressed to find a quieter or more cosseting cruiser. And this relaxed ambience is supported by the iX’s plush, lounge-like interior."

MINI was also victorious at the awards, as the Countryman PHEV was acclaimed for its “worthy of the Cooper badge” performance and its electric range. Although, the What Car? team were particularly impressed by the car’s interior, commenting, “what really sets the Countryman apart from rivals is how special it feels inside. You'll find plush materials, smart design details and build quality to eclipse that of any other small SUV and even challenge bigger, more costly cars. Meanwhile, the infotainment system is easy to use, even on the move."

Ends

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2021, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 194,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2020 was € 5.222 billion on revenues amounting to € 98.990 billion. As of 31 December 2020, the BMW Group had a workforce of 120,726 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

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For further information please contact:

Helen Wilson
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Email: Helen.Wilson@bmw.co.uk

Chris Overall
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Christina Burnham-Hepe
General Manager, Communications
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Graham Biggs
Corporate Communications Director
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Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk