BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid Saloon (2019-present)

BMW 330e prices from £16,398   Finance from £274 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.