BMW 330e: the new plug-in hybrid saloon from BMW, with less than 2 l/100 km of consumption

BMW presents the new generation of the BMW 330e, the brand’s saloon with plug-in hybrid technology, which is homologated at a consumption of 1.7 l/100 km.

The new BMW 330e will not reach the market until the summer of 2019. But if you are looking for a high-performance saloon with very low consumption, it is worth waiting. With its improved plug-in hybrid propulsion technology, the BMW 330e has a claimed maximum output of 252 CV, which can temporarily add another 41 CV through the XtraBoost mode, reaching 293 CV when the driver demands maximum acceleration.

With this level of power, and a maximum torque of 420 Nm, as you can imagine, the figures of the BMW 330e are those of a sports car: the hybrid saloon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds, and is capable of reaching a top speed of 230 km/h.

To activate XtraBoost mode, the driver must have previously selected the SPORT programme, although it is also available when the accelerator is pressed fully and kickdown is engaged. In the 330e, BMW uses for the first time in a plug-in hybrid an accelerator with a response that combines sportiness with a specific gearbox programming to take advantage of engine braking during downshifts.

Up to 60 km of range in electric mode

But the best feature is the efficiency achieved by the new propulsion system, which combines the 184 CV 2.0 Twin Power Turbo engine with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic gearbox, which generates an output of 68 CV, but can reach a peak output of 109 CV in XtraBoost mode. With a 12 kWh battery located under the rear seats – the boot remains at 375 litres of capacity – the BMW 330e can now travel more than 60 km in electric mode, which represents a range increase of more than 50% over its predecessor.

The homologated average consumption, meanwhile, is reduced by 10 per cent, dropping below 2 l/100 km. Specifically, it is homologated at 1.7 l/100 km and 39 g/km of CO2 emissions, figures calculated on the basis of the new WLTP cycle and adapted to the NEDC cycle. When referenced solely to the more realistic WLTP, they will be somewhat higher.

BMW will offer the 330e the same versions and optional equipment as the BMW 3 Series. Thus, buyers can choose from the Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport trims. As part of the standard equipment, it will include an interior pre-conditioning system, which will use energy from the high-voltage battery to power the auxiliary air conditioning system.