Last week, we spent some time with the all-new BMW 3 Series Touring and the review is coming up next month. In the mean time, as always, we wanted to get upclose with the cars and give you a closer look at their design.
Shown here is the 3 Series Touring plug-in hybrid – 330e – and the 330i gasoline-powered touring. As expected, the current 330e sedan with latest eDrive technology will be implemented in the touring model as well. The PHEV drivetrain also uses the combination of four-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor, with the XtraBoost providing even more power for a short time.
The hybrid system comprises a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The total system output is up to 215 kW/292 hp, with the XtraBoost mode engaged. The new BMW 330e Touring’s hybrid system combines the drive torque from the 135 kW/184 hp combustion engine with the power from the electric motor with peak output of 80 kW/109 hp. XtraBoost mode allows the two power sources’ combined output of 185 kW/252 hp to be increased for up to 10 seconds by an additional 30 kW/40 hp under particularly hard acceleration.
This enables the BMW 330e Touring to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in 6.1 seconds. The combined fuel consumption is 2.3 – 1.8 liters per 100 kilometers ) and cut CO2 emissions to 52 –42 grams per kilometer* (provisional figures). Electric power consumption averages between 16.3 and 15.7 kWh per 100 kilometers (62 miles)*, and the 330e Touring can drive for up to 63 kilometers (41 miles)* on electric power alone (provisional figures).
The 330i Touring features a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine with 258 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. With xDrive all-wheel drive, it nails 62 mph in 5.8 seconds. That 330i is one of the least efficient touring, though, averaging 6.6 – 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers (42.8 – 44.8 mpg imp). Yet, this is still an impressive fuel consumption.
Unfortunately, none of the 3 Series Touring models will come to the US, so for now, we’ll have to head over to Europe to have some fun with them.
