BMW 3 Series

New 3 Series models keep BMW’s electric plans rolling

BMW is increasing customer choice for plug-in hybrid drives in the premium mid-range sector with additions to its 3 Series line up.

Following the successful launch of the new BMW 330e Saloon, the new BMW 330e Touring is also now available. To complete the four-model line-up, both models are offered with the intelligent all-wheel drive system, BMW xDrive, as well as rear-wheel drive.

The latest-generation BMW eDrive technology offers considerable efficiencies. The Saloon’s combined fuel consumption ranges from 176-201mpg with combined power consumption at 15.0-14.8kWh/100km and CO 2 emissions of 37-32g/km. The Touring returns a combined fuel consumption from 176mpg, combined power consumption from 15.7 kWh/100km and combined CO 2 emissions from 39g/km.

The hybrid powertrain not only increases efficiency and electrically powered range for all 3 Series plug-in hybrid models, it also enhances driving dynamics.

The instant power delivery of the electric motor is immediately obvious and contributes to the cars’ highly evolving drive. The lithium-ion high-voltage batteries feature the latest cell technology that promotes high energy content and enables the new 3 Series plug-in hybrid models to run on electrical power for a maximum range of between 34 to 36 miles (WLTP) free of local emissions.

The plug-in hybrid models in the new BMW 3 Series owe their increased electric range to the latest advances in battery cell technology. Their lithium-ion batteries, designed specifically for each model and manufactured by the BMW Group, have a gross energy content of 12.0 kWh and a capacity of 34 Ah.

The battery cells have an exceptionally high storage capacity and extensive energy supply, with electrical energy stored in the high-voltage battery also used to supply the vehicle electrical system. This means that a generator powered by the combustion engine is no longer necessary, thereby further increasing the efficiency of the system. A 40-litre fuel tank ensures a combined range that is suitable for long-distance travel, highlighting the capabilities of the plug-in hybrid models as touring vehicles.

Brake-energy recuperation provides highly efficient battery charging on the move. With a BMW i Wallbox, these charging operations can be completed within 2.4 hours up to 80 per cent of its total capacity and 3.4 hours to achieve full capacity. The high-voltage battery can also be charged at conventional household sockets, using the standard charging cable.

Using this method, the completely discharged battery can absorb 80 per cent of its total capacity within 4.2 hours while 5.7 hours is the estimated period required for a 100% recharge.

The plug-in hybrid system of the new BMW 330e Touring also comprises a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an output of 184hp, along with an electric motor integrated in the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, which generates a peak output of 113hp. The total system output of 252hp can be increased by an additional 40hp for up to 10 seconds to deliver a total of 292hp under especially high loads – all helping to maintain the 3 Series’ sporting heritage. This standard XtraBoost is available in SPORT mode, which can be activated by the driving experience switch. The maximum system torque of the plug-in hybrid drive in the new BMW 330e Touring is 420Nm.

The new BMW 330e Touring can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds (provisional figure) and its maximum speed is 136mph (provisional figure). In Hybrid mode the new BMW 330e Touring can reach up to 68mph when running on electric power alone. The combustion engine only switches on at higher speeds or when there are high load requirements.

When the Electric mode is activated with the eDrive button, the vehicle can reach speeds up to 87mph drawing on the power of its eDrive alone. Thanks to state-of-the-art cell technology, the lithium-ion high-voltage battery in the new BMW 330e Touring has an electrically powered range of 34 miles (provisional figure*).

Two all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid versions of the BMW 3 Series will also launch alongside the BMW 330e Touring. Featuring the same plug-in hybrid system as the corresponding RWD models, the new BMW 330e xDrive Saloon returns a combined fuel consumption from 166mpg, combined power consumption: from 16.7 kWh/100 km and combined CO 2 emissions from 38g/km and in the new BMW 330e xDrive Touring combined fuel consumption is from 156mpg, combined power consumption from 17.8 kWh/100 km and combined CO 2 emissions of 42g/km (provisional figures). Power delivery from the electric motor and engine is combined with power transmission to all four wheels.