MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM

The 330e uses BMW’S idrive system, with its rotary dial mounted on the transmission tunnel and digital display sitting a little incongruously atop the dashboard.

After years of refinement, it’s now an intuitive set-up — especially in comparison with newer touchscreen systems — if lacking the sophistication of the latest software from rivals such as Volkswagen.

BMW’S Connecteddrive system analyses sat-nav data on the move to make the most efficient use of the energy stored in the car’s battery.

This can, BMW claims, result in the powertrain leaning more heavily on the electric motor than it otherwise would if you’re travelling through a built-up area, for example. There’s also the option of finding available public charging stations — provided they are operated by Chargenow, BMW’S own network of charging points.