BMW has
expanded its family of hybrid 3-Series models with the launch of the new BMW
330e Touring, BMW 330e Sedan xDrive, and the BMW 330e Touring xDrive. The
arrival of these models come after the 330e Sedan was launched last year.
All models feature a 2.0-liter
four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology delivering 181 hp and
coupled to an electric motor integrated in the eight-speed Steptronic
transmission that adds an extra 111 hp. This results in a peak of 248 hp that
can be increased by an additional 40 hp for bursts of up to 10 seconds under
high loads. Torque sits at a peak of 420 Nm. The rear-wheel drive
330e Touring model can reach 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and tops out at 220 km/h. The vehicle can run solely on electric power for 65 km.
For those after some added versatility,
BMW has also launched the 330e Sedan and 330e Touring in xDrive form. As the
names imply, these variants use the company’s xDrive all-wheel drive system
that allows the 330e Sedan to hit 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and a 224 km/h top speed)while the 330e Touring xDrive reaches 62 mph in 6.2
seconds and a 214 km/h top speed. Interestingly, those figures are
down on the rear-wheel drive variant. The sedan has a quoted electric range of 58 km and the 330e Touring xDrive is good for 55 km.
Owners can charge the high-voltage battery
of the 330e models through brake energy recuperation or via a conventional
household socket that’ll take 5.7 hours to charge the battery from zero to 100
per cent capacity. All models come loaded with safety features including active
pedestrian protection, Park Distance Control, and the BMW Live Cockpit
ConnectedDrive that includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Remote
Services, Apple CarPlay, and more.
