The new BMW 330e Sedan celebrates its market launch

The addition of a plug-in hybrid system to the range of BMW 3 Series Sedan brings an extra, particularly future-focused angle to the sports sedan’s core attributes. The latest generation of BMW eDrive technology teams up with a four-cylinder petrol engine to significantly enhance the sporting prowess of the new BMW 330e Sedan and deliver an even richer electric driving experience.

Making its debut appearance in a BMW, the standard-fitted XtraBoost raises the system output of the plug-in hybrid to a maximum 215 kW/292 hp. The lightning-fast responses of the drive system headline the new BMW 330e Sedan's driving characteristics. Added to which, its electric range is over 50% greater than that of its predecessor; 66 kilometres is possible with zero local emissions. Fuel consumption and emissions are down by more than 15% on the levels of the predecessor model.

In the new BMW 330e Sedan, the intelligently controlled interplay of electric motor and combustion engine reaches a whole new level. The electrification of the powertrain contributes more than ever not only to increasing efficiency but also to a distinctive form of driving pleasure. The plug-in hybrid system pools the abilities of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and output of 135 kW/184 hp with the talents of an electric motor, which generates peak output of 83 kW/113 hp. Together, the two drive sources produce maximum system torque of 420 Nm (310 lb-ft).

A brand-new feature - and included as standard in the new BMW 330e Sedan - is XtraBoost. The driver can quickly bring XtraBoost into play by activating SPORT mode with the Driving Experience Control switch. A vigorous stamp on the accelerator uncorks an additional 30 kW/40 hp on top of the combined 185 kW/252 hp already generated by the combination of electric motor and combustion engine - and XtraBoost keeps it on tap for up to 10 seconds. The result is the signature powertrain character of the BMW 3 Series Sedan, comprising incredibly sporty yet also precise accelerator response, and a specific shift programme for the eight-speed Steptronic transmission including engine-braking downshifts.

The new BMW 330e Sedan sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). The driving experience is accompanied by a model-specific and emotionally engaging drive system note, which also finds its way into the interior. And so the new BMW 330e Sedan vividly showcases its sporty and dynamic side, blended with the proven qualities of a plug-in hybrid car.

In the HYBRID driving mode, the new BMW 330e Sedan can hit speeds of up to 110 km/h (68 mph) on electric power alone - an increase of 30 km/h (19 mph) over its predecessor. And ELECTRIC mode opens the door to locally emission-free driving at 140 km/h (87 mph), up from 120 km/h (75 mph). Hybrid-specific standard features of the new BMW 330e Sedan include acoustic pedestrian protection. When driving on electric power, an exterior speaker system generates an unmistakable sound created specifically for electrified BMWs. At low speeds, the drive system's bespoke note exudes aural presence, without impinging on the acoustic comfort of those on board.

The new BMW 330e Sedan's electric motor is integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, saving space. Intelligent design allows the hybrid-specific version of the transmission to be no more than 15 millimetres longer than corresponding variants for conventionally powered variants of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. Power generation by means of braking energy recuperation, where the electric motor plays the role of a generator, works particularly effectively. The electric energy channelled into the high-voltage battery either in this way or when plugged into the power grid also feeds the 12-volt on-board power supply. All of which renders a combustion engine-driven generator surplus to requirements and further enhances overall system efficiency.

The high-voltage battery in the new BMW 330e Sedan is mounted under the rear seats, while the petrol tank sits over the rear axle. This means the plug-in hybrid's cargo-carrying ability is only slightly reduced, and load capacity of 375 litres can be expanded as required thanks to the 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear-seat backrests.

Customers opting for the plug-in hybrid model can choose from virtually the full list of options otherwise available for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. The new BMW 330e Sedan is also offered in Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line or M Sport form as an alternative to basic specification. And it can be ordered with features including Adaptive M suspension with variable sport steering and M Sport brakes. From November 2019, the new BMW 330e Sedan will also be available with a trailer coupling with electrically pivoting hitch ball. The maximum trailer load for the plug-in hybrid model is 750 kilograms.

The full selection of innovative comfort- and safety-optimising driver assistance systems - from the Driving Assistant Professional with steering and lane control assistant to the Parking Assistant including reversing assistant - is also available. Standard specification for the new BMW 330e Sedan includes preconditioning of the interior with the heating or air conditioning. Energy stored in the high-voltage battery is used to power the auxiliary heating. In low outside temperatures, this means the interior can be warmed up with user-friendly ease before getting into the car, even when the battery charge is low. This interior preconditioning function also allows the interior to be cooled in higher ambient temperature.

With the launch of the new BMW 330e Sedan, new digital services will be presented which make charging the high-voltage battery during a journey even easier and more attractive. Selecting a public charging station prompts the navigation system to come up with recommendations on nearby hotels, restaurants, cafés and sights or cultural centres. And it is also possible to check the whereabouts of charging stations via the display and control system. The driver can likewise check the predicted availability of public charging points at the time of arrival. Added to which, it will be possible to reserve charging points for a limited time, should this facility be offered by the charging infrastructure operator in question.

The drive technology presented in the plug-in hybrid model variant of the new sports sedan will also be available in the new BMW 330e Touring from summer 2020. This will be the first time customers ordering a Touring model from BMW can choose a plug-in hybrid drive system. The new offering sees BMW forging ahead with its model offensive for vehicles with electrified drive systems.

The new BMW 330e Sedan is ready to take advantage of low-emission zones designated by cities exclusively for zero-emission driving. With the new BMW eDrive Zones function, geofencing technology will make it possible to detect low-emission zones automatically. When entering these zones, the vehicle switches into pure-electric driving mode automatically, from which point it behaves like a fully-electric vehicle and can therefore enjoy equal access rights. The new function ensures the potential of plug-in hybrid vehicles is utilised to even greater effect.