- The 330e gets the newest generation of BMW’s hybrid powertrain.
- A pure electric range of 66 kilometres.
- Max output of 290 bhp and 450Nm with standard-fitted XtraBoost
After the 530e plug-in hybrid, BMW has revealed the 330e plug-in hybrid with the newest generation of eDrive powertrain. The new 3 Series plug-in hybrid also debuts the XtraBoost system as a standard-fitment which boosts the overall output of the plug-in hybrid to 215 kW/290bhp. With the new powertrain, its electric range is up by 50 per cent and now the plug-in hybrid sedan is capable of going 66 kilometres without the using the internal combustion engine.
Even the fuel efficiency has improved by 15 per cent, says BMW. Compared to the older model, the new 330e will sip only 1.6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres which roughly translates to 62.5kmpl. The petrol engine is the same 182bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine offered in the rest of the 3 Series portfolio. It comes mated to a 113bhp electric motor. Together, the two propulsion systems put down a maximum power of 250bhp and a twisting force of 420Nm.
The XtraBoost hardware which debuts with the 330e can boost the total output by 40bhp and keeps it on tap for up to 10 seconds. This electric boost provides instant acceleration, almost twice that of any combustion engine car. As a result, the new 330e sprints from zero to 100kmph in 5.9 seconds and can hit a top speed of 230kmph. In the hybrid mode, the 330e can hit speeds of up to 110kmph. However, in electric mode, the top-speed is limited to 140kmph. Apart from that, there’s also brake energy recovering system which stores the charge in a 12V battery pack. Also, the 330e can be had with all the hardware offered in a standard version like the adaptive suspension and M Sport brakes as well.
BMW will commence the sales of the 330e in November and prices are yet to be announced. Meanwhile, here in India, the seventh-generation 3 Series will be launched next week. We don’t expect the plug-in hybrid version of the 3 to make its way to India anytime soon.
