If there is something for which the Series 3 of BMW It is because of the agility and sporty feel. And that is a characteristic that has remained in all its generations. It is, without a doubt, one of the aspects most valued by drivers who still choose to drive a sedan and resist switching to an SUV.
The recent update of this emblematic model arrived in the latter part of last year to the local market with changes and improvements for the entire range. But it brought to Argentina, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid version for the Series 3.
Although the novelty that stands out is that it brought to Argentina, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid version for this renewed Series 3.
This is the 330e, which replaces the 330i. It basically has a combustion engine, an electric engine and a larger battery than that of a conventional hybrid, which allows it to have an interesting electric range for everyday use.
Like any electrified model, it requires some changes in habits and certain discipline everyday life to obtain the great efficiency it claims.
What changes and what brings new
The update of this model corresponds to the mid-cycle renewal and, in this case, includes some small changes in the design of the headlights and bumpers and other more noticeable ones in the interior.
This generation of Series 3 has proven offer the best in the category in terms of interior space, especially with regard to the rear seats. Its configuration allows two adults of 1.85 meters to travel one behind the other without problems. But three people could not sit comfortably in the back since the wide transmission tunnel makes it impossible.
BMW’s midsize sedan still offers a driving position close to the ground, which increases the good driving sensations it gives. And now the driver has a new panorama in front of him.
With this update, the previous screens (instrument panel and center console) are replaced by two other huge ones (12.3” and 14.9”) that are glued on top and make up a curved structure oriented towards the driver.
The entire center console has also changed with a new design of commands (a few) below the central ventilation outlets. But the big news is what is below. The gear selector lever was replaced with a small switch that reduces the use of space but eliminates all idea of sportsmanship.
The multimedia center offers very high image quality and an operating speed that is difficult to find in another model on the local market.
A detail to highlight. From now on, the BMW 3 Series arrives imported from the brand’s factory in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, with no apparent differences in quality and finish compared to the units that previously arrived from Germany.
A propulsion system that consumes very little
Its propulsion system consists of a 2.0-liter, 184-horsepower gasoline engine and another electric engine that delivers 108 horsepower. Combined they generate a total power of 292 horsepower and a high torque of 420 Nm.
In addition, it has a battery with a capacity 10 times greater than that of a conventional hybrid, such as the Ford Kuga or a Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid, for example.
That level of power and torque plus the 8 speed automatic transmission (unlike the CVT variant used by most hybrids sold in the country) give a completely different driving experience compared to other electrified models.
The car more than responds to any demand for acceleration. Just as a fact, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.
It has different management options. In hybrid mode, as long as there is power in the battery, the system will choose to prioritize the use of the electric motor and it will only connect the combustion one when there is a high demand for acceleration.
Once the battery is exhausted, it will begin to work like a conventional hybrid, meaning that the gasoline engine will have a greater presence.
The other driving mode is 100% electric, which must be selected to be used. Here the reactions decrease a little but are good enough to move with agility in the city. And on the road the maximum speed is limited to 130 km/h.
The autonomy that this mode gave us was 51 kilometers (without air conditioning), against the 62 officially declared.
The battery has a capacity of 11.2 kWh and charges at a maximum power of 3.7 kW. That is, even if you plug it into a powerful charger, it will always take more than 3 and a half hours to complete the charge. That’s why the ideal thing with a car like this is to have a charger at home or in the office.
And the ideal too is to have it charged every day, since in this way the use of the gasoline engine is reduced and, therefore, fuel consumption. What’s more, you can reach the point of consuming zero, if the daily journey does not exceed 50 kilometers.
It does not have the possibility for the combustion engine itself to charge the battery, an interesting alternative if you alternate stretches of road or highway with urban stretches (the battery is charged at a constant speed and in the city you drive “electrically”). Yes, the electricity from the battery can be reserved for the moment the driver wants.
That is why it is difficult to establish an average consumption. But with the battery fully charged, 3 L/100 km are reached. But only the first 100 kilometers and in mixed use: using electricity to move in the city and hybrid mode on the highway.
In any case, the average consumption with a discharged battery was very good, as it was 6 L/100 km, an unthinkable number for a model that generates almost 300 horsepower.
For those who admire Series 3 for its dynamic qualities, this 330e is not going to disappoint you, even though it is a little heavier. Intertwining one curve with another comforts those who enjoy driving. As always happened with this sedan.
BMW 330e technical sheet
Wheelbase 2,851 mm
40 liter fuel tank
2.0 gasoline combustion engine
Power 184 CV and 5,000 rpm
Electric motor power 108 HP
Combined power 292 HP
Automatic transmission, 8 speeds
Maximum speed 230 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.8 seconds
Electric range 51 km
Consumption with charged battery 3L/100 km
Average consumption without battery charge 6 L/100 km
Main equipment
Stability control (ESP)
Front, front side and curtain airbags
Autonomous emergency brake
adaptive cruise control
Parking assistant
Dashboard with 12.3” screen
14.9” touch multimedia center