New BMW 330e plug-in gets more power, better range
All-new plug-in hybrid BMW 330e is more powerful, 10 per cent more efficient with double the pure-electric rangeBMW has released pics and full specification of its BMW 330e, based on the all-new seventh-generation 3 Series sedan.
Set to be launched later this month at the LA motor show, the PHEV BMW 330e combines a 135kW turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor that can produce up to 50kW. Fed by a 12kWh battery, together, the petrol-electric powertrain produces 185kW with a maximum 420Nm of torque.
For fast overtakes, a new XtraBoost feature (accessed only in Sport mode) sees the electric motor temporarily unleash an extra 30kW, boosting total power to 215kW.
Against the clock, the BMW 330e sedan hits 100km/h in 6.0 seconds and tops out at 230km/h.
Fast, but not as quick as the new M340i xDrive that will also be launched alongside the plug-in 330e.
In HYRBID mode, the plug-in 3 Series can reach speeds of 110km/h -- 30km/h faster than before. Perhaps more impressive, in ELECTRIC mode the 330e can travel up to 140km/h beating the old car's 120km/h maximum.
The total pure-electric range, meanwhile, increased to 60km -- double that of the old car.
Channelling all that performance to the road is an eight-speed automatic that boosts efficiency further. In fact, BMW claims on the official cycle its second-generation plug-in 3 Series is 10 per cent more efficient with the 330e, averaging just 1.7L/100km while emitting 39g/km of CO2.
Now based on BMW's latest CLAR platform and incorporating the electric motor within the transmission casing, packaging for the BMW 330e improves.
Measuring in 15mm longer than the regular 3 Series, the 330e plug-in hybrid finally offers a decent-sized 375 litres of carrying capacity -- a considerable increase on the old car's poor 270-litre boot.
Helping owners find elusive charging points, the new 330e virtual cockpit dash and infotainment system can locate not only chargers but nearby restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions.
A pre-heating/cooling function is also standard on all models.
It's thought pricing, when it goes on sale in Europe around quarter 3 of 2019, will match the outgoing car.
When it arrives in Australia, that means the all-new 330e could cost about $72,000 -- the same as the current car.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
