The 330e Plug-in hybrid is the technological flagship of BMW's enhanced 3 Series line-up. Jonathan Crouch looks at the improved version.

Ten Second Review

With the updated version of BMW's Plug-in Hybrid petrol/electric 330e model, the conventional 320i variant's 184hp 2.0-litre petrol engine has been matched with an electric motor and a much larger battery to create quite a package. There's the choice of either a saloon or a Touring estate and both now gets a significantly upgraded cabin. And this updated model range gains smarter looks too.

Background

Not everyone wanting futuristic engine technology wants their car to also look futuristic. To look like BMW's iX for instance. If you're buying from this Bavarian brand and want a petrol/electric powerplant, the 330e Plug-in hybrid offers a more subtle way to go. Especially in this updated form. You now get up to 63 miles of all-electric driving range when the car's charged up, which enables the creation of some impressive overall stats - up to 353.1mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and as little as 19g/km of WLTP-rated CO2. Those figures fall only fractionally with the Touring estate body style. Take some time to understand BMW's thinking here and it's hard not to be impressed.

Engines and Tech Spec

With this second mid-term update, much about the engineering of this 330e has changed. At its original launch, this 'G20'-era 330e Plug-in hybrid model took a big step forward over its previous generation predecessor, the main difference being the measurement of all-electric driving range. This was rated at only 21 miles in the previous generation 3 Series plug-in but in the original G20-era version of this model, the addition of a larger 12.0kWh battery increased the range up to around 39 miles of zero emissions motoring when fully-charged. Well now, things have been even further improved, with an even larger 19.5kWh battery installed, which has boosted EV range right up to 63 miles. What this now means is that if you've a pretty typical daily commute, you might never have to fuel up this car to complete it. As you might expect, this kind of cleverness comes courtesy of a very advanced powerplant indeed, in this case a combination of the 184bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit from the 320i mated to an electric motor incorporating an 'XtraBoost' function. This can increase power to as much as 292hp, reducing the 62mph sprint time to just 5.9s. The hybrid system's extra weight drops maximum speed slightly over that of the ordinary 320i, but it's still rated at 143mph. As before, the main available drive modes are 'Sport', 'Hybrid' and 'Electric' - the latter able to be automatically activated in urban zones. The brand's xDrive 4WD system is no longer available on this variant.

Design and Build

This isn't the kind of Plug-in hybrid model you'll buy if you want to make an eco-statement. Unless you really know your BMWs, there's almost nothing to visually differentiate a 330e from any other 3 Series saloon unless you happen to spot the side panel charging flap. Visual changes to the Saloon and Touring body styles as part of this second G20-era 3 Series update are minimal: a more aerodynamic front bumper, more angular sills, fresh paint colours and, if you upgrade from the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, redesigned 19-inch alloy wheel rims. Inside, you might notice the redesigned steering wheel, the redesigned air vents along with the provision of fewer fascia buttons. And maybe also the smart 'cascade' interior lighting (adjustable for colour and brightness and able to indicate to the driver if they have an incoming 'phone call or have left a door open). Plus there's nicer Sensatec perforated fabric upholstery. The major cabin update here though, is the adoption of the brand's latest 'Operating System 8.5' software for the big 14.9-inch central touchscreen, which now controls all the climate functions and has a 'widget bar' that can be customised with the driver's favourite functions. There's also augmented reality for the navigation, 5G connectivity and a streamlined system to allow the car to connect to its MyBMW app. Plus, as with larger BMWs, you can now get the iDrive controller, the gear selector and the ignition button in 'Crafted Clarity' cut glass. As previously, there's a 12.3-inch instrument display. Otherwise, things are much as before. There's reasonably comfortable space for a couple of adults on the rear bench - it'd be a bit of a squash for three. Out back, there's a 375-litre boot in the Saloon (105-litres down on the conventionally-engined model), which you can extend by folding the seat backs forward. If you're going to be doing that very regularly though, then you're really a candidate for the alternative Touring estate version, which offers a 410-litre boot (90-litres down on the conventionally-engined model), extendable with seat folding to 1,410-litres.

Market and Model

The 330e comes in both saloon and Touring estate guises, plus there's a choice of either rear-driven or 4x4 xDrive formats. Prices start from around £47,000 and there are now just two trim levels, 'Sport' and 'M Sport'. There's a premium of £1,500 for the Touring estate body style. All models now include the 'BMW Live Cockpit Plus' screen set-up, which includes cloud-based BMW Maps, over-the-air updates and an improved version of the brand's 'Intelligent Personal Assistant' voice control system. The company's 'Parking assistant' is now standard, steering you automatically into spaces. And you can upgrade it with Park View, Panorama View and 3D View functions. M Sport customers are being offered a choice of exterior upgrades, including a carbonfibre rear diffuser, a large rear spoiler for the saloon and individual wheel designs of up to 20-inches in size. As for safety, well as before, an optional across the range is the brand's 'Driving Assistant Professional' pack, which includes Active Cruise Control with a Stop&Go function. There's also a 'Steering and Lane Control Assistant', which helps the driver maintain their position on motorways where the lane narrows. The 'Active Navigation' function detects when a lane change for a motorway exit is required and prepares to steer the car into that lane. The system also comprises a 'Lane Keeping Assistant' with active side collision protection and an 'Evasion Assistant'.

Cost of Ownership

With the deletion of diesel from the 3 Series range, BMW reckons this plug-in derivative will be a particularly strong seller. The installation of a more capable 19.5kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery in recent times has nearly doubled its potential electric driving range - to as much as 63 miles. Charging time is around two and a half hours from a conventional 7kW garage wallbox or plug-in public charge point. Hook up to a domestic 3-pin socket and the charging time will be just under five and a half hours. As usual with Plug-in hybrids, the official WLTP combined cycle fuel figures - up to 353.1mpg for the saloon and up to 313.9g/km for the Touring version - need to be taken with a pinch of salt, but the important thing is that the government believes the quoted CO2 return - which can be as little as 19g/km in the saloon or up to 23g/km in the Touring. Either way, this means a super-low Benefit-in-Kind taxation rating. Of course it's unlikely that you'd ever achieve the quoted mpg and CO2 figures in the real world, but the important thing is that the government believes them, hence the attractive tax breaks that'll come as part and parcel of 330e model ownership.

Summary

In this enhanced 330e, BMW has brought us a PHEV 3 Series model that makes real world sense. There's excellent real world EV driving range, now matched to a much smarter cabin with extra technology that customers will really like. The pricing though, inevitably reflects the improvement. If you're disappointed that BMW no longer offers a diesel-engined version of this Bavarian contender, we think you really have to look at a 330e as a realistic alternative. The waiting lists for this variant suggest that many potential customers already are.

Body Glass

Heated washer jets

Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation

Electric windows - front and rear, with open/close fingertip control, anti-trap facility and comfort closing

Heat protection glazing on front windows and windscreen

Brakes

Ventilated front and rear disc brakes

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Dry braking

Electromechanical parking brake including automatic hold function and automatic release of the parking brake when pulling away

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+) - Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with brake assist and cornering brake control + Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Electronic differential lock control (EDLC)

M Sport brakes with red calipers

Drive-off assistant

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear velour floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Double joint spring strut front axle

Communication

Bluetooth Wi-Fi interface

Intelligent voice assist, 2 USB, 4G LTE connect

Personal e-SIM

Driver Aids

Attentiveness assist

Active guard plus

Driver Convenience

Automatic Start/stop button

Driver Information

BMW Teleservices

Oil sensor for level and grade

Shifting point display

BMW iDrive

ConnectedDrive Services - last state call

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Engine

Fuel tank breather system

Entertainment

DAB tuner

Exterior Body Features

Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements

Door sill strips

Model designation on right side of tailgate

Fading support

BMW individual lights shadow line

Side frame decorative moulding black matt

Front apron plastic in body colour

One piece front bumper cover including towing eye cover in body colour

Licence plate panel integrated into front bumper and tailgate

Body colour roof fin

Fuel filler flap - right rear in body colour

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

BMW emblem, engine compartment lid and tailgate

Matt black window recess cover

Matt black B-pillar finsher

M high gloss shadow line exterior trim

BMW M Individual high gloss shadow line extended contents - High gloss black radiator grill frame and struts, black chrome visible exhaust tailpipe

M Sport spoiler in black sapphire

Exterior Lights

Reversing lights

LED daytime running lights

LED rear lights

Adaptive LED Headlights

Automatic headlight beam throw control with load dependent regulating reaction, dynamic compensation of braking dive and acceleration squat

Welcome lights in interior and door handle area

Follow me home headlight function

Automated High beam assist

3rd brake light

LED turn indicator

Bi-LED Low and high beam headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Anthracite headlining

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

Folding rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders

12V power socket in front storage compartment

Armrest integrated in front and rear door trim + front centre console armrest

Height adjustable mechanically and infinitely variable steering column

2 front cupholder in centre console with clamping elements and matt black inlay

Battery in luggage compartment

Lashing eyelets in luggage compartment

BMW ID

Illuminated glove compartment

Cruise control operation in steering wheel

Driving experience mode switch

3 spoke M Sport multifunction flat bottom leather steering wheel

Interior Lights

Front reading light

Illuminated luggage compartment

Illuminated armrest storage compartment

Packs

Connected pack professional - 3 Series Saloon/Touring

M sport exterior styling pack - 3 Series Saloon/Touring

Interior and exterior mirror pack - 3 Series Touring/Saloon

Safety

Side impact protection

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Child locks on rear doors

Front airbag deactivation

3x3 point rear seatbelts

BMW emergency call

M sport seatbelt

Plastic fuel tank

Crash sensor activating of airbags,Unlocking doors,hazard warning lights,fuel cut off,interior lighting+activation of safety battery terminal clamp

Tyre pressure sensors

Driver and front passenger with seat occupancy detection for driver's and passenger side

Head airbags in 1st and 2nd row, head protection at side, curtain airbags open from headliner above 1st and 2nd row

Driver and passenger side airbags, body protection at side and airbags deploy from seat backrests

Front airbags for driver and front passenger

Seats

Heated front seats

Front and rear headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

40:20:40 split folding rear seat with loading system

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Centre lock switch

Alarm system

Electronic vehicle immobiliser

Closing system with central locking

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles launch control and xtreme drive lever control

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors and ticket pocket

Vehicle Charging

Public mode 3 professional fast charging cable with 5m length

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 720

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 195

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 135

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 22.3

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low: 22.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium: 19.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High: 19.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High: 23.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 20.7

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 21.4

WLTP - AER (km) - City: 101

WLTP - AER (km) - Comb: 98

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Low: 95

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Medium: 108

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - High: 109

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Extra High: 87

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City: 103

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 100

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 101

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 85

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 20.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 20.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 23.4

WLTP - EC AC Ch Dep (kWh/100km) - Comb: 23

WLTP - AER (miles) - City: 62.8

WLTP - AER (miles) - Comb: 60.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High: 2.6

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High: 3.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low: 2.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium: 3.2

WLTP - EC AC Ch Dep (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 2.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City: 64

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 62.1

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 52.8

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 62.8

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Extra High: 54.1

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - High: 67.7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Low: 59

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Medium: 67.1

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 19.5

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 11

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 68

CO: 0.321

HC: 0.011

NOx: 0.013

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0003

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Low: 223

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Medium: 159

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - High: 142

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Extra High: 158

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb: 162

WLTP - CO2 Charge Depleting (g/km) - Comb: 7

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 19

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 19

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 25

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

CC: 1998

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: XB1141M1

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low: 28.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium: 40.4

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High: 44.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High: 40.4

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 39.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low: 9.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium: 7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High: 6.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High: 7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 7.2

WLTP - FC Ch Dep (l/100km) - Comb: 0.1

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 0.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 0.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 1.1

WLTP - FC Ch Dep (mpg) - Comb: 2824.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 313.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 353.1

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 256.8

General

Coin Series: M Sport [Tech/Pro]

Coin Description: e

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 34E

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Badge Power: 292

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 7

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.9

Top Speed: 143

Engine Power - BHP: 292

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 215

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 310

Engine Torque - NM: 420

Engine Torque - RPM: 1350

Engine Torque - MKG: 42.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 255/40 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 848M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4713

Width: 1827

Wheelbase: 2851

Width (including mirrors): 2068

Height: 1446

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1835

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2360

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 40

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 525

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 375

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Body Glass

Sun and heat protection glass dark tinted on rear windows and windscreen

Acoustic glazing

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive M suspension

Driver Aids

BMW Iconic sounds electric

Active cruise control with stop and go function

Variable sport steering

Embellishment Trims

Carbon fibre interior trim

Luxury intrument panel

Light fine wood open pored interior trim - dashboard

Ash grey-blue fine wood open poured interior trim - dashboard

Galvanic embellisher for controls

Entertainment

HiFi speaker system with 10 speakers and 205w digital amplifier

Harman/Kardon surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Electric glass sunroof

BMW special paintwork

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Crafted clarity for interior elements

Vernasca leather upholstery

Sensatec perforated upholstery

Heating steering wheel

Packs

Storage compartment pack with 12V socket - 3 Series Saloon/Touring

Comfort package - 3 Series Saloon

Technology driving assistant professional pack - 3 Series

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Arctic race blue

Metallic - Portimao blue

Metallic - Mineral white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW special paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW special paint - Dravit grey

Safety

Active protection

Seats

Electric memory seats

Electric front lumbar support

Front M Sport seats

Towing

Fully electric towbar

Trim - Cloth

M Perform tex cloth - Black with M piping

Trim - Leather

Vernasca leather - Black with grey stitching

Vernasca leather - Black with blue contrast stitching

Sensatec perforated - Cognac

Sensatec perforated - Tacora red

Sensatec perforated - Black

Vernasca leather - Oyster with grey stitching

Vernasca leather - Mocha with night blue stitching

Vehicle Charging

10A 3 pin adaptor

Flexible charger (Mode 2)

Wheels

Run-flat tyres

Wheels - Alloy

19" M double spoke jet black light alloy wheels - Style 995 M with mixed tyres and run flat tyres

19" M double spoke jet black light alloy wheels - Style 995 M with mixed tyres and sport tyres

19" M double spoke light alloy wheels - Style 995 M bicolour with mixed tyres and run flat tyres

19" Y-spoke BMW Individual light alloy wheels - Style 1038 M bicolour with mixed tyres and run flat tyres

19" M double spoke jet black light alloy wheels - Style 995 M with mixed tyres and sport tyres [1HP]