The new BMW G20 3 Series celebrated its world premiere in Paris last October, but now, another member of the new 3 Series family makes its world debut. The 330e plug-in hybrid was just introduced at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and will arrive on the market later this year.
At a first glance, you would have to look twice to distinguish the BMW 330e from the ordinary 3 Series. The only clues are the additional flap on the front left fender and the 330e lettering on the boot. Previously used elements such as the “e” lettering on the C-pillar, partially blue kidneys or a blue border of the BMW logo in the middle of the wheels are obviously a thing of the past.
Our live photos from Geneva show the BMW G20 330e in the Alpine White color, with BMW’s newest iDrive system and its digital gauges. It also gets a new hybrid powetrain.
Said powertrain consists of a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine that on its own makes 184 hp. The electric motor that’s integrated into the eight-speed automatic makes an additional 68 hp. Those two combine for 252 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is only up 5 hp over the previous-gen car and equal torque.
Though there’s an overboost function, dubbed XtraBoost, which adds an additional, and temporary, 41 hp. That XtraBoost function can be engaged and used up until the battery reaches its minimum battery charge status. It also functions as the car’s “kick down” while in the gear selectors “M/S” mode.
BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of around 6.0 seconds, though it isn’t specified as to whether or not that’s in XtraBoost mode but we’re assuming it is.
According to BMW, the new 330e gets a combined 1.7 liters per 100km (roughly 138 mph US), but no word on real world fuel economy. However, it now has further electric range as well as a higher electric top speed. Rather than the measly 14 miles of maximum electric range of the old car, this new one has up to 60km (37 miles), or more than double.
It also has an electric top speed of 140 km/h (86 mph), rather than the old car’s 120 km/h (74 mph).
[Photos: Bimmertoday]
