In BMW‘s newest commercial, the 330e plug-in hybrid is being advertised as a present-day alternative to Tesla’s future Model 3.
The Tesla Model 3 is a commercial success, receiving ~400,000 pre-orders in just two weeks after its unveiling, which means that a lot of people are currently on the waiting lists to get their car – whenever it will be launched. BMW took advantage of the situation and came up with two commercials that take a direct swing at the all-electric Tesla Model.
The electric car company is plagued by delays ever since its inception, with the Roadster and the Model S being postponed numerous times before making it into series production. Even the Model X didn’t arrive in time for its customers due to a shortage of parts. So, many expect the Model 3 to follow the same road, which makes these two ads even more humorous.
In the short videos, BMW argues that Tesla Model 3 customers will be ringing the new year twice, maybe more, before the car itself ever even arrives. The Bavarian car maker then offers a current alternative for the Model 3, in the form of the 330e.
Yes, we know what you’re thinking, BMW’s offer isn’t an all-electric vehicle, but according to the EPA, which gave the model an electric and gas engine rating of 72MPGe, the 330e will save you $750 in fuel costs over 5 years compared to the average new vehicle.
Powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine delivering 180 hp and peak torque of 215 lb-ft (291 Nm), which works in tandem with an electric motor, developing 87 hp with maximum peak torque of 184 lb-ft (249 Nm), for a system output of 248 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm). That’s enough to make the car accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) in 5.9 seconds, all the way to a top speed of 140 mph (225km/h).