BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid Saloon (2019-present)
BMW’s latest hybrid system offers increased power and a 50 per cent improvement in all-electric range compared to its predecessor
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Weaknesses
BMW 3 Series Saloon m340i xdrive 4dr step auto
Total RRP £48,555
Your quote £41,497
You Save £7,058
BMW 330e prices from £15,398 Finance from £216 per month
The BMW 3 Series is often regarded as the benchmark executive saloon upon which others strive to beat. By combining exciting handling with well appointed interiors and the latest on-board technology, it is arguably the leader of an extremely well contested pack.
This latest generation is better in almost every way, including its plug-in hybrid offering, which now offers 41 miles of electric-only range (over 50% more than its predecessor), increased power and a reduction in fuel consumption.
Customers shopping in the executive saloon class are currently spoilt for choice, with stalwarts like Audi and Mercedes-Benz both offering excellent examples to rival the 3 Series with the A4 and C-Class. More recently, Jaguar and Alfa Romeo have also joined the fight with the XE and Giulia models, while the Kia Stinger is a more left-field choice.
However, hardly any of these marques currently sell a representative plug-in hybrid option here in the UK, with only Mercedes-Benz offering a true rival in the C350e, a model is due to be replaced by an all-new EQ range of cars and tracking one down in the UK is difficult
So BMW has been extra quick off the mark to corner this market, but rather than simply offer battery power and an additional electric motor to reduce the cost of motoring to owners, BMW has cleverly integrated its new propulsion system so it adds so much more to the overall driving enjoyment of this already highly entertaining saloon.
Before we get to the small matter of the additional power, perhaps the most impressive aspect of the 330e is just how soothing it feels to drive. You would expect this from a 3 Series, but the engine seems both quieter and smoother thanks to the aid of the electric motor, making initial acceleration feel totally effortless and, once you're up to speed, the 330e will cruise along with zero fuss.
Dubbed XtraBoost, this new feature unlocks an additional 40hp when the throttle is pressed to the floor, taking total power up to 293hp and ensuring the all-important 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in an impressive six seconds. Not bad considering all the necesary hybrid tech adds an extra 200-odd kilos on top of the standard model's kerb weight.
Mating a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder twin-turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor also has the benefit of improved fuel consumption figures and when driving with a mix of electric and internal combustion power, BMW claims it is possible to achieve 138mpg - although we know from real-world testing that these numbers should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Regardless, an improved all-electric range now gives a realistic number of miles with which owners can silently waft through city centres and low emissions zones without the fear of receiving fines. Better still, BMW eDrive Zones (coming as standard on all hybrid models by 2020) uses geo-fencing technology built into the advanced satellite navigation system to ensure the vehicle has sufficient range to enter the restricted area.
It does this by first recognising an upcoming restricted area and then cleverly adjusting its settings to allow the engine and regenerative braking to top up the on-board batteries. Of course, this will have an effect on fuel economy, but it can easily be enabled and disabled through the in car media system.
On that note, there is no change in the top quality fit and finish of the new 3 Series’ interior, with UK customers cable to pick from the same trim level as its diesel and petrol powered counterparts - SE, Sport, M Sport. The ride is good too, along with less engine noise, even the roughest of roads will go undetected from the drivers' seat.
With prices starting at a heady £37,875 for this hybrid variant, owners are naturally treated to a high level of fit and finish inside. Expect soft leather touches, exquisite stitching and top quality materials used in the buttons and switchgear. There is also extremely high levels of connectivity in the more lavishly appointed models, with natural speech voice recognition, gesture control and pin-sharp head-up displays just a few highlights.
Last Updated
Key facts
Warranty: 3-years / Unlimited miles | Boot size: 375-litres |
Width: 1,827mm | Length: 4,709mm |
Height: 1,444mm | Tax: Free in the first year, £135 thereafter |
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BMW 3 Series History
2016 The first plug-in 3 Series variant goes on sale but fails to make a huge impact. Just 3,509 models are sold in the UK
2019 An updated hybrid variant is offered in the latest generation, boasting increased all-electric range, improved fuel efficiency and more power.
Understanding BMW 3 Series car names
- 3 Series
- Sport
- Trim
- 4 Door
- Body style
- 2.0-litre petrol + electric motor
- Powertrain
- 8 Speed Steptronic
- Gearbox
- Sport
- There are three trim levels on offer in the UK, with the range starting at SE and moving through to Sport and M Sport. However, there are plenty of options for customers to select from.
- 4 Door
- The 3 Series comes in both estate (dubbed Touring) and saloon variants but the 330e is currently limited to just the saloon. The Touring model will follow in 2020.
- 2.0-litre petrol + electric motor
- The 330e comes with just one powertrain option and that’s a 2.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor.
- 8 Speed Steptronic
- Although a six-speed manual gearbox is offered across the rest of the 3 Series range, customers only get the choice of an eight-speed ‘Steptronic’ automatic ‘box here. Namely because it also houses the electric motor.
BMW 3 Series Engines
2.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol engine + electric motor
As is the way with many BMW products, the 3 Series 330e is a rear-wheel-drive machine, with the electronic motor factored in to the gearbox to send additional power to the rear axle. As a result, it drives in a very particular way and any fans of spirited B-road blasts will likely have a hoot ushering the 330e along the Tarmac.
That said, it can prove a little tricky in adverse weather conditions, but engineers have added a larger section tyre at the rear to aid grip, as well as installing numerous traction control systems that can step in when things get slippery.
As you can probably imagine, the addition of battery packs and an electric motor add weight to the overall package, but it’s not enough to adversely effect the overall driving experience, while the added benefits of near-silent, all-electric motoring massively outweigh any handling shortcomings.
This latest generation 330e can also now hit speeds of up to 68mph on electric power alone, which opens up more opportunities for the EV system to be used. Plus, there are several switchable driving modes that allow for either pure EV motoring, a hybrid mode or the ability to preserve battery life for later.
On top of this, there are several sporty modes - the most powerful of which (XtraBoost) unleashes the full potential of the hybrid system, while simultaneously pumping a synthetic exhaust note into the cabin for a racier experience.
Overall, the system works extremely well, cleverly cycling between EV, hybrid and performance modes, with very little audible note to let the driver and passengers know what engineering wizardry is going beneath the bodywork.
When running on battery power alone, the cocktail of excellent engineering, high levels of sound-proofing and a very quiet powertrain mean it is possible to seal oneself away from the hubbub of daily life and cruise the city streets without so much as a murmur entering the cabin. It really is a serene and relaxing experience.
Those owners with plenty of short commutes or minimal miles to the weekly shop will benefit even more from the onboard batteries should they install a basic 7kW home charging system, which will handily top up reserves in as little as an hour. On the other hand, charging from a domestic socket is possible, but it will take just shy of three hours for a full charge.
BMW’s allegiance with ChargeNow also means owners can ‘reserve’ a nearby public charging point through the marque’s bespoke smartphone app or via the infotainment system, negating the need to endlessly circulate the town centre looking for a place to top-up the batteries.
Fuel | Mpg | Bhp | 0 - 62mph | Top speed | |
2.0-litre petrol + electric motor | Hybrid | 138mpg | 293hp | 6.0s | 143mph |
BMW 3 Series Trims
SE, Sport, M Sport
The trim levels found in the 330e Plug-in Hybrid echo those of the rest of the 3 Series range but here, customers are treated to a set of BMW EfficientDynamics features that are bespoke to the plug-in hybrid model.
A hybrid-specific auto stop/start function, optimum gear shift indicator (when gearbox is in its ‘manual’ paddle shifting mode) and reduced rolling resistance tyres are just a few examples, while even the most ‘basic’ SE iterates gets things like climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with sat nav, adaptive LED headlights and a reversing camera.
These models ride on 17-inch wheels, which aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing of the bunch but certainly make for the most comfortable, pliant ride. Other notable standard features include: ambient lighting inside, Parking Assistant with Rear View Camera and Reverse Assist, Sport leather steering wheel and an 8.8-inch Central Instrument Display (CID).
Step up to Sport and a more performance orientated suspension set-up is introduced, as well as larger alloy wheels and racier interior touches, such as sports seats that are heated in the front.
The top spec M Sport models receive the most dynamic M Sport suspension, an M Aerodynamics package to the exterior, Sports Seats, leather upholstery, Adaptive LED headlights and foglights, advanced parking assistance and attractive ambient lighting inside.
As with many vehicles in the luxury saloon segment, the option list will prove an extremely tempting (and expensive) read, with things like heated steering wheels, panoramic sunroofs, increased interior storage and an array of alloy wheel options all available for an additional fee.
Arguably one of the most enticing and interesting options comes in the form of Driver Recorder, which harnesses the vehicle’s many exterior cameras (used to assist manoeuvring) to record footage to an internal hard drive, which can then be downloaded via USB for viewing later.
This will come in handy for anyone who likes to capture footage of a country drive for posterity but more importantly, it automatically snares footage 20 seconds before and after the event of collision, acting just like a dash cam, without the need for additional cameras.
In the UK, this comes as part of the Park Assistant Plus Package, which sees multiple camera views beamed to the central display during low speed parking situations, and costs £650.
BMW 3 Series Reliability and warranty
The three-year/unlimited mileage warranty is slightly more generous than the 60,000-mile limit imposed by rivals Audi but generally falls in line with most other premium manufacturers in this segment.
Previous generation 3 Series owners seem fairly happy with their purchase, with the Auto Express Driver Power 2019 owner satisfaction survey revealing that the predecessor placed at 39 out of 75 models.
That said, any work that falls foul of the manufacturer warranty could prove costly for those customers thinking of bucking the trend of three-year lease deals and opting for an out-and-out purchase or longer term PCP option.
Used BMW 3 Series
Despite the relatively low sales volumes, it is possible to pick up enticing deals for the previous generation 330e on the used market. A quick scan of the Buy a Car website revealed high mileage top spec M Sport models (those with over 45,000 miles) were coming in under £20,000.
Even those low mileage models were a snip of the original price, with deals ranging from £22,000 to around £27,000 for the best examples. But bear in mind the all-electric range is half that of the current model reviewed here.
BMW 3 Series Prices
BMW 3 Series M Sport
318d m sport 4dr
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 64.2mpg
- Gears manual
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318d m sport 4dr [plus pack]
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318d m sport 4dr [tech pack]
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318d m sport 4dr [tech/plus pack]
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318d m sport 4dr step auto
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- Fuel diesel
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320d m sport 4dr
- Doors 4
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320d m sport 4dr [tech/plus pack]
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320d m sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 65.7mpg
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320d m sport 4dr step auto [tech/plus pack]
- Doors 4
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320d xdrive m sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 61.4mpg
- Gears automatic
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320d xdrive m sport 4dr step auto [plus pack]
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
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- Gears automatic
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320d xdrive m sport 4dr step auto [tech pack]
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
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320d xdrive m sport 4dr step auto [tech/plus pack]
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 61.4mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £37,384
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320i m sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 50.4mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £30,684
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320i m sport 4dr step auto [plus pack]
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 50.4mpg
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320i m sport 4dr step auto [tech pack]
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320i m sport 4dr step auto [tech/plus pack]
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320i xdrive m sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 47.1mpg
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320i xdrive m sport 4dr step auto [plus pack]
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320i xdrive m sport 4dr step auto [tech/plus pack]
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330d m sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 55.4mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £35,345
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330d m sport 4dr step auto [plus pack]
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 55.4mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £37,281
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330d m sport 4dr step auto [tech pack]
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- Fuel diesel
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330d m sport 4dr step auto [tech/plus pack]
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- Fuel diesel
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330d xdrive m sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 54.3mpg
- Gears automatic
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330d xdrive m sport 4dr step auto [plus pack]
- Doors 4
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330d xdrive m sport 4dr step auto [tech/plus pack]
- Doors 4
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330e m sport 4dr auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol/plugin elec hybrid
- Economy 176.6mpg
- Gears automatic
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330e m sport 4dr auto [plus pack]
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol/plugin elec hybrid
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- Gears automatic
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330e m sport 4dr auto [tech pack]
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol/plugin elec hybrid
- Economy 176.6mpg
- Gears automatic
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330e m sport 4dr auto [tech/plus pack]
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol/plugin elec hybrid
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- Gears automatic
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330i m sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 47.9mpg
- Gears automatic
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330i m sport 4dr step auto [plus pack]
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330i m sport 4dr step auto [tech pack]
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330i m sport 4dr step auto [tech/plus pack]
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BMW 3 Series M Sport Plus Edition
320d m sport plus edition 4dr
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy
- Gears manual
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320d m sport plus edition 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
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320d xdrive m sport plus edition 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
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320i m sport plus edition 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol
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- Gears automatic
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320i xdrive m sport plus edition 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
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330d m sport plus edition 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
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330d xdrive m sport plus edition 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
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- Gears automatic
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330e m sport plus edition 4dr auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol/plugin elec hybrid
- Economy
- Gears automatic
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330i m sport plus edition 4dr step auto
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BMW 3 Series M340i
m340i xdrive 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol
- Economy
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £41,497
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BMW 3 Series SE
318d se 4dr
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 65.7mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £28,146
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318d se 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 67.3mpg
- Gears automatic
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320d se 4dr
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 64.2mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £28,417
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320d se 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 67.3mpg
- Gears automatic
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320d xdrive se 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 62.8mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £31,224
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320i se 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 51.4mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £28,132
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320i xdrive se 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 47.9mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £29,536
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BMW 3 Series SE Pro
330e se pro 4dr auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol/plugin elec hybrid
- Economy 176.6mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £32,035
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BMW 3 Series Sport
318d sport 4dr
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 64.2mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £29,378
You could save up to: £4597
318d sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 65.7mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £30,742
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320d sport 4dr
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 62.8mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £29,649
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320d sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 65.7mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £31,136
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320d xdrive sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 61.4mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £32,456
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320i sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 50.4mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £29,364
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320i xdrive sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 47.1mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £30,768
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330d sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 55.4mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £34,025
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330d xdrive sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 54.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £35,345
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330i sport 4dr step auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 47.9mpg
- Gears automatic
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BMW 3 Series Sport Pro
330e sport pro 4dr auto
- Doors 4
- Fuel petrol/plugin elec hybrid
- Economy 176.6mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £33,267
You could save up to: £6008
Other Editions
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