BMW Reveals Plug-In Hybrid 330e With Up To 288HP And 37 Miles Of Electric Range

Following the reveal of the M340i, BMW has dropped the first official information on the plug-in hybrid member of the range, namely the 330e.

The new BMW 330e combines the company’s latest eDrive technology with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine.

The petrol engine produces 181hp (184PS/135kW) while the electric motor adds a constant 67hp (68PS / 50kW). The latter however features a peak output of 107hp (109PS / 80kW), which will come handy in a moment. BMW says the combined output of the new 330e’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is rated at 248hp (252PS) and 309lb-ft (420Nm).

The highlight of the new electrified powertrain is BMW’s new XtraBoost function, which is enabled via the Sport driving mode. That makes the electric motor contribute up to 40hp (41PS) over its constant peak output, better supporting the petrol engine in dynamic driving conditions. That translates into a combined peak output of 288hp.

Other important PHEV-specific figures include an estimated all-electric range of up to 60km (37 miles) -50 percent more than the previous model– and a top speed of 140km/h (87mph) in Electric mode. The plug-in hybrid 3-Series is estimated to return a combined 138mpg UK (2.0lt/100km) and emit 39g/km of CO2.

BMW claims that the new 330e is capable of doing the 0-100km/h (62mph) in 6.0 seconds and hit a top speed of 230km/h (143mph).

The eight-speed Steptronic transmission features a model-specific shifting programme complete with brake downshifts, combined with an accelerator pedal curve that feels more precise and sporty than ever.

For better packaging, the electric motor is integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to its clever design, the PHEV-specific transmission is just 15mm longer than a conventional gearbox unit in other 3-Series models.

The lithium-ion battery pack features a 12 kWh capacity and is mounted underneath the seats, while the fuel tank rests above the rear axle. Luggage space is slightly restricted to 375lt.