Being that BMW has marketed the 3-Series as both a sports sedan and a highly economical premium car ever since the E90 version came out, it’s only right we talk about the new 330e Plug-In Hybrid.
We first got wind of its specs and characteristics two weeks ago, when we told you about its 2.0 liter 184 PS four-pot, which coupled with the 65 kW battery, helps send a total of 252 PS towards the rear wheels. If you care about economy, all you need to do is memorize its 1.9 liters/100 km average (123 mpg US/148 mpg UK) and if ever behind the wheel, you’ll probably manage to get pretty close to that on certain days, if you apply yourself.
The 330e also makes due with a total of 420 Nm of torque, helping it push its way to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.1 seconds.
By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz C350 e shows up packing 279 PS in total, and since both cars weigh about the same (and gone are the days when Mercedes-Benz transmissions were considerably slower than BMW‘s), the Merc is obviously quicker in sprinting to 100 km/h, needing just 5.9 seconds.
The difference between the two rivals is quite small, to be fair. Even with fuel consumption – the Merc will allegedly average 2.1 liters/100 km (112 mpg US/134 mpg UK) and let’s face it, both cars are in the same ball park here.
The C350 e is better equipped for fast highway (Autobahn) cruising, with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), considerably faster than the 330e’s 225 km/h (139 mph) top speed.
Bottom line, customers are probably going to choose the model they like most between the two, with the specs counting for very little, decision-wise.
PHOTO GALLERY
