Sportier and more efficient than ever thanks to the latest BMW eDrive technology: The new BMW 330e Sedan celebrates its market launch.

Munich. A combination of peerless dynamics and
exemplary efficiency defines the character of the new BMW 3 Series
Sedan. And now the addition to the range of drive solutions of a
plug-in hybrid system brings an extra, particularly future-focused
angle to the new 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 (whose worldwide market launch is now underway) 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 per cent greater than that of its predecessor; 66 kilometres (41
miles)* is possible with zero local emissions. Fuel consumption and
emissions are down by more than 15 per cent on the levels of the
predecessor model – to 1.9 – 1.6 litres per 100 kilometres (148.7 –
176.6 mpg imp)* and 43 – 37 grams of per kilometre*.

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).

Premiere in the new BMW 330e Sedan: XtraBoost for maximum
dynamic performance.

A brand-new feature – and included as standard in the new BMW
330e Sedan – is XtraBoost, which reveals the car at its most dynamic.
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 (for the first time in a hybrid
model from BMW) incredibly sporty yet also precise accelerator
response, and a specific shift program for the eight-speed Steptronic
transmission including engine-braking downshifts.

The instant-impact XtraBoost delivers a significantly more intense
experience of acceleration than a conventionally powered vehicle with
comparable output could offer. For example, if the driver suddenly
puts their foot down hard from 20 km/h (12 mph), in as little as a
second the new BMW 330e Sedan accelerates with around twice the vigour
of a car powered solely by a combustion engine. Within three seconds,
it opens up a car’s-length gap. XtraBoost can still be accessed with
the high-voltage battery at minimum charge, as well as in kickdown and
with the transmission selector lever in the M or S position.

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.

Pure-electric driving at up to 140 km/h (87 mph).

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.

High range and efficiency bring tax benefits.

With a gross energy content of 12.0 kWh, the lithium-ion high-voltage
battery in the new BMW 330e Sedan enables an increase in electric
range of more than 50 per cent over its predecessor – to 59 – 66
kilometres (37 – 41 miles)*. Meanwhile, the second generation of the
plug-in hybrid sports sedan cuts fuel consumption and emissions by
over 15 per cent to 1.9 – 1.6 litres per 100 kilometres (148.7 – 176.6
mpg imp)* and 43 – 37 grams of CO2 per kilometre*. The
combined-cycle electric power consumption of the new BMW 330e Sedan is
15.4 – 14.8 kWh per 100 kilometres*. With its low CO2
emissions and long electric range, the new BMW 330e Sedan fulfils all
the requirements for reduced company car tax in Germany, where only
half the gross list price is taken as a basis in determining the
benefit of kind for private use.

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.

Auxiliary heating and air conditioning as standard.

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.

BMW plug-in hybrid models offer an array of benefits in
everyday use.

BMW’s plug-in hybrid drive systems already offer users a host of
additional benefits over traditional solutions:

  • Money-saving: Electric driving in urban areas is cheaper than
    using petrol or diesel if the plug-in hybrid vehicle is charged at
    home or at the workplace at low cost.
  • Interior always at the right temperature, even before you get in:
    auxiliary heating and auxiliary air conditioning are fitted as standard.
  • Braking is winning: The battery is charged under braking. In
    conventional vehicles, braking generates only heat and brake dust.
  • The best of both worlds: Plug-in hybrids provide electric driving
    pleasure in urban areas and classical BMW driving pleasure over
    longer distances.
  • Smoothing the way into the future: Because a plug-in hybrid can
    run emission-free, it is eligible to enter many low-emission zones,
    enjoys extra parking privileges and saves on toll charges.
  • Better quality of life in cities: By driving on electric power,
    users can actively contribute to reducing emissions and traffic
    noise in cities.

Future-proof: BMW eDrive Zones ensure emission-free driving in
low-emission zones.

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 (which will be part of standard
equipment for BMW plug-in hybrid models from 2020 and can be
retrofitted), 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 (subject to local regulations). The new
function ensures the potential of plug-in hybrid vehicles is utilised
to even greater effect. The increase in the proportion of journeys
driven on electric power not only plays a role in optimising
efficiency, it also helps to reduce operating costs for customers.
This applies to driving in urban areas, in particular, where an
electric drive system delivers a higher level of efficiency across the
board than a petrol or diesel engine.

New BMW 330e Sedan has a smaller overall CO2 footprint.

The “real” environmental impact of plug-in hybrid vehicles has been
questioned on occasion, especially in markets where the proportion of
green energy used by the public energy grid remains small. The BMW
Group conducted a full-cycle CO2 certification for the new
BMW 330e Sedan – from raw material procurement, the supply chain,
production and the use phase, all the way to recycling.

This revealed the CO2 footprint of the new BMW 330e Sedan
to be 20 per cent smaller than that of the new BMW 330i Sedan when
running on average European power in the use phase. When charging the
car with green energy, its CO2 footprint is reduced by as
much as 60 per cent.

The fuel consumption, CO2
emissions, electric power consumption and operating range
figures are determined according to the European Regulation
(EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable. The figures refer to
a vehicle with basic configuration in Germany. The range shown
considers the different sizes of the selected wheels/tyres and
the selected items of optional equipment, and may vary during configuration.

 

The values marked * are based on the new WLTP test cycle and
are translated back into NEDC-equivalent values in order to
ensure comparability between the vehicles. With respect to
these vehicles, for vehicle-related taxes or other duties
based (at least inter alia) on CO2 emissions, the
CO2 values may differ from the values stated here
(depending on national legislation).

 

Further information on official fuel consumption figures and
specific CO2 emission values of new passenger cars
is included in the following guideline: ‘Leitfaden über den
Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den
Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen’ (Guide to the fuel
economy, CO2 emissions and electric power
consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained free
of charge from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil
Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760
Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.