BMW 330e sedan PHEV launched

The new BMW 330e is a plug-in hybrid variant added to the new generation of the sports sedan.

Sportier and more efficient thanks to the latest BMW eDrive technology, the BMW 33e’s electric range is more than 50% higher than its predecessor’s, now 66km.

CO2 emissions are down by more than 15%, and increased sprinting power peaks at 215kW with standard-fitted XtraBoost.

The plug-in hybrid system pools the abilities of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and output of 135kW with the electric motor which generates peak output of 83kW. Together, the two drive sources produce maximum system torque of 420Nm.

A vigorous stamp on the accelerator uncorks an additional 30kW on top of the combined 185kW already generated by the combination of electric motor and combustion engine – and XtraBoost keeps it on tap for up to 10 seconds.

The eight-speed Steptronic transmission includes engine-braking downshifts, recuperating energy from braking and helping feed the 12-volt on-board power supply.

The new BMW 330e sedan sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 230km/h.

Pure-electric driving can reach 140km/h – about 30km/h more than its predecessor.

Hybrid-specific standard features of the new BMW 330e sedan include acoustic pedestrian protection.

The high-voltage battery mounted under the rear seats and petrol tank over the rear axle mean the plug-in hybrid’s cargo-carrying ability is only slightly reduced, and load capacity of 375 litres can be expanded as required thanks to the 40:20:40 split/folding rear-seat backrests.

Customers opting for the plug-in hybrid model can choose from virtually the full list of options otherwise available for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan.

It’s also offered in Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line or M Sport form as an alternative to basic specification. And it can be ordered with features including Adaptive M suspension with variable sport steering and M Sport brakes.

From November, the new BMW 330e sedan will also be available with a trailer coupling with electrically pivoting hitch ball. The maximum trailer load for the plug-in hybrid model is 750kg.

Auxiliary heating and air conditioning are standard.

The full selection of innovative comfort and safety-optimising driver assistance systems – from the driving assistant professional with steering and lane control assistant to the parking assistant including reversing assistant – is also available.

New digital services will make charging the high-voltage battery during a journey even easier. Selecting a public charging station prompts the navigation system to come up with recommendations on nearby hotels, restaurants, cafés and sights or cultural centres. And it is also possible to check the whereabouts and availability of charging stations via the display and control system.

Customers ordering a Touring model from BMW can also choose a plug-in hybrid drive system.