The very best of two worlds
330E IPERFORMANCE: DYNAMICS MARRIED TO LOW CONSUMPTION
Innovative model combines driving pleasure with electric power option.
The arrival of the new BMW 330e iPerformance offers customers another innovative route to Sheer Driving Pleasure. With its plug-in hybrid drive system, the latest BMW 3 Series variant combines the dynamic flair for which the brand is renowned with the option of driving on electric power alone (locally emission-free) and the promise of unbeatable efficiency over longer distances.
The BMW 330e iPerformance therefore brings together high-quality dynamics and extremely low fuel consumption. The fusion of BMW eDrive technology (developed under the BMW EfficientDynamics banner) with a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine has resulted in an efficient and dynamic plug-in hybrid drive system which fits perfectly with the BMW brand: dynamically adept, locally emission-free (thanks to its electric driving system) and efficient.
The plug-in hybrid drive system delivers familiar BMW driving dynamics by pairing a cutting-edge electric motor producing 65kW and a peak torque of 250Nm with a four-cylinder combustion engine, which develops 135kW and 290Nm of torque. The combined average fuel consumption in the NEDC cycle is said to be between 2.1 and 1.9 litres per 100 kilometres, with CO2 emissions coming in at 49 to 44 g/km.
With a system output of 185kW and peak torque of 420Nm, the BMW 330e iPerformance is said to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds on the way to a top speed of 225km/h. The electric motor and combustion engine send their power to the sedan’s rear wheels via a standard-fitted eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
The neat integration of the high-voltage battery in the compartment under the boot gives the BMW 330e iPerformance a level load compartment floor, while use of the optional through-loading system with 40:20:40 split rear seat backrests remains unrestricted. Together with its boot capacity of 370 litres, the new BMW 330e iPerformance thus offers all the everyday practicality of a conventionally powered BMW 3 Series Sedan.
Added to which, the intelligent positioning of the electric drive system’s components allows finely balanced weight distribution – 50 per cent over the front axle, 50 per cent over the rear axle – and, in so doing, paves the way for the dynamic and dextrous handling shared by all 3 Series models.
As well as the Driving Experience Control switch with its SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO settings, the driver can also adapt the responses of BMW eDrive to the vehicle’s use at any one time by means of a toggle switch in the centre console. There is a choice of three driving modes: AUTO eDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE and SAVE BATTERY.
AUTO eDRIVE ensures the combustion engine and electric motor work together to optimum effect and allows an all-electric top speed of 80km/h.
In MAX eDRIVE mode the 330e iPerformance uses the car’s electric power only, drawing on the electric drive system’s full output. A top speed of 120km/h is possible.
Its ability to cover up to 40km in this all-electric mode makes the BMW 330e iPerformance the ideal car for commuters or city dwellers. The combustion engine can, however, cut in at any time if the accelerator is pushed down beyond its kickdown position when additional power is required, e.g. for overtaking.
SAVE BATTERY mode allows the battery’s energy stores to be deliberately maintained – or increased again if the charge level has dropped below 50 percent. This energy can then be used for pure-electric driving again.