If there is something that the
BMW 3 Series
has become famous for , it is its agility and sporty feel.
And that is a characteristic that has remained in all its generations.
It is, without a doubt, one of the aspects most valued by drivers who still choose to drive a sedan and resist switching to an SUV.
The recent update of this emblematic model arrived in the latter part of last year to the local market with changes and improvements for the entire range.
But it brought to Argentina, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid version for the Series 3.
Although the novelty that stands out is that it brought to Argentina, for the first time, a
plug-in hybrid version
for this renewed Series 3.
This is the 330e, which replaces the 330i.
It basically has a combustion engine, an electric engine and a larger battery than that of a conventional hybrid, which allows it to have an interesting electric range for everyday use.
Like any electrified model, it requires some
changes in habits and a certain
daily discipline to obtain the great efficiency it claims.
What changes and what brings new
The update of this model corresponds to the mid-cycle renewal and, in this case, includes some small changes in the design of the headlights and bumpers and other more noticeable ones in the interior.
The renewed BMW 330e includes small aesthetic changes.
This generation of the 3 Series has proven
to offer the best in the category in terms of interior space
, especially with regard to the rear seats.
Its configuration allows two adults of 1.85 meters to travel one behind the other without problems.
But three people could not sit comfortably in the back since the wide transmission tunnel makes it impossible.
BMW's midsize sedan still offers a driving position close to the ground, which increases the good driving sensations it gives.
And now the driver has a new panorama in front of him.
With this update, the previous screens (instrument panel and center console) are replaced by two other huge ones (12.3” and 14.9”) that are glued on top and form
a curved structure oriented towards the driver
.
The impressive double screen of the BMW 330e.
The entire center console has also changed with a new design of commands (a few) below the central ventilation outlets.
But the big news is what is below.
The gear selector lever was replaced by a small switch that reduces the use of space but
eliminates any idea of sportiness
.
The multimedia center offers very high image quality and an operating speed that is difficult to find in another model on the local market.
A detail to highlight.
From now on, the BMW 3 Series arrives imported from the brand's factory in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, with no apparent differences in quality and finish compared to the units that previously arrived from Germany.
The BMW 330e's gear selector has now been reduced to a small switch.
A propulsion system that consumes very little
Its propulsion system consists of a 2.0-liter, 184-horsepower gasoline engine and another electric engine that delivers 108 horsepower.
Combined they generate a
total power of 292 horsepower and a high torque of 420 Nm
.
In addition, it has a battery with a capacity 10 times greater than that of a conventional hybrid, such as the Ford Kuga or a Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid, for example.
That level of power and torque plus the
8-speed automatic transmission
(unlike the CVT variant used by most hybrids sold in the country) give a completely different driving experience compared to other electrified models.
The dashboard of the BMW 330e provides a lot of information on consumption and efficiency.
The car more than responds to any demand for acceleration.
Just as a fact, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.
It has different management options.
In hybrid mode, as long as there is energy in the battery,
the system will choose to prioritize the use of the electric motor
and will only connect the combustion engine when there is a high demand for acceleration.
Once the battery is exhausted, it will begin to work like a conventional hybrid, meaning that the gasoline engine will have a greater presence.
Since the BMW 330e is an electrified model, the outline of the logo has a blue ring.
The other driving mode is 100% electric, which must be selected to be used.
Here the reactions decrease a little but are good enough to move with agility in the city.
And on the road the maximum speed is limited to 130 km/h.
The autonomy it gave us with this mode was
51 kilometers
(without air conditioning), against the 62 officially declared.
The battery has a capacity of 11.2 kWh and charges at a maximum power of 3.7 kW.
That is, even if you plug it into a powerful charger, it will always take more than 3 and a half hours to complete the charge.
That's why the ideal thing with a car like this is to have a charger at home or in the office.
And the ideal
is also to have it charged every day
, since in this way the use of the gasoline engine and, therefore, fuel consumption is reduced.
What's more, you can reach the point of consuming zero, if the daily journey does not exceed 50 kilometers.
The BMW 330e driving position brings the body close to the ground.
It does not have the possibility for the combustion engine itself to charge the battery, an interesting alternative if you alternate stretches of road or highway with urban stretches (the battery is charged at a constant speed and in the city you drive “electrically”).
Yes, the electricity from the battery can be reserved for the moment the driver wants.
That is why it is difficult to establish an average consumption.
But with the battery fully charged,
3 L/100 km is reached
.
But only the first 100 kilometers and in mixed use: using electricity to move in the city and hybrid mode on the highway.
In any case, the average consumption with a discharged battery was very good, as it was 6 L/100 km, an unthinkable number for a model that generates almost 300 horsepower.
The BMW 330e is, along with the plug-in hybrid X3, the two electrified models that the brand sells in the country.
For those who admire the 3 Series for its
dynamic qualities
, this 330e will not disappoint, even though it is a little heavier.
Intertwining one curve with another comforts those who enjoy driving.
As always happened with this sedan.
BMW 330e technical sheet
PriceUS$ 115,900
Length4,713 mm
Width1,827 mm
Height1,444 mm
Wheelbase2,851 mm
Weight1,845 kg
Trunk375 Dm3
Fuel tank40 liters
Combustion engine2.0 gasoline
Power 184 HP at 5,000 rpm
Electric motor power 108 HP
Combined power292 HP
Combined torque420 Nm
TransmissionAutomatic, 8 speeds
Rear Drive
Maximum speed230 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h5.8 seconds
Electric range51 km
Consumption with charged battery3L/100 km
Average consumption per battery charge6 L/100 km
Main equipment
ABS
Stability control (ESP)
Front, front side and curtain airbags
Autonomous emergency brake
adaptive cruise control
Parking assistant
Dashboard with 12.3” screen
14.9” touch multimedia center
Led lights
3-zone climate control
Electric sunroof