The electric range of the plug-in hybrid has increased by 50 percent compared to the previous version and now reaches 60 kilometers. In the combined cycle, fuel consumption has decreased to 1.7 liters per 100 kilometers.
The power of the gasoline engine is 184 horsepower. The electric motor, integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, develops 68 horsepower. The total power of the hybrid system is 252 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes exactly six seconds. The top speed is 230 km/h, and on electricity alone — only 140 km/h.
In sport mode, the XtraBoost technology is activated, which adds 41 horsepower. This function is available even when the battery is almost discharged (the 12-kilowatt-hour battery pack is located under the rear seat) and during kickdown. The hybrid also received special settings for the electronic accelerator pedal and modified transmission logic.
Inside the hybrid sedan, a sound enhancement system is installed, and when driving on electric power, the car emits an audible signal to warn pedestrians. The hybrid's equipment does not differ from regular 3 Series models: there is adaptive M suspension, variable-ratio steering, M brakes, and an extended set of electronic safety systems. The base 330e includes an auxiliary heater and cabin cooler.
Sales of the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid will begin in the summer of next year.
