2019 BMW 330e Hybrid Preview – Video
Superior driving dynamics and exemplary efficiency are the key characteristics of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. With the extension of the engine portfolio to include a plug-in hybrid system, these essential properties of the new sports sedan acquire an additional and especially pioneering dimension. In the new BMW 330e Sedan, the latest generation of BMW eDrive Technology is combined with a 4-cylinder petrol engine to provide a significant increase in sporty flair as well as an even more intense electrically powered driving experience. The first ever standard XtraBoost integrated in a BMW model temporarily increases the system output of the plug-in hybrid drive from 185 kW/252 hp with an addition of up to 30 kW/41 hp. In addition to spontaneity of response, this also increases the electrical range of the new BMW 330e Sedan as compared to the predecessor model by 50 per cent. It is now possible to cover a distance of up to 60 kilometres* on a locally emissions-free basis. Fuel consumption and emission figures are reduced by more than 10 per cent as compared to the predecessor model to up to 1.7 litres* per 100 kilometres and up to 39 grams* per kilometre.
In the new BMW 330e Sedan, intelligently controlled interaction between the electric motor and the combustion engine reaches a whole new level. More than ever, the electrification of the powertrain contributes not just to increased efficiency but also to creating a distinctive form of driving pleasure. The plug-in hybrid system comprises a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an output of 135 kW/184 hp along with an electric motor which generates a continuous output of 50 kW/68 hp and a peak output of 80 kW/109 hp. Together, the two drive units develop a system output of 185 kW/252 hp along with a maximum system torque of 420 Nm. As a result, the new BMW 330e Sedan accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. Its top speed is 230 km/h. In HYBRID mode, the new BMW 330e Sedan is able to reach a speed of up to 110 km/h when running on electric power alone – 30 km/h faster than the predecessor model. In ELECTRIC mode, locally emissions-free motoring is even possible at speeds of up to 140 km/h – previously: 120 km/h.
One new feature of the new BMW 330e Sedan is the standard XtraBoost, which gives the vehicle its highest level of dynamic performance. It is easy to access by activating SPORT mode using the driving experience switch. In order to support the combustion engine in dynamic driving situations, the electric motor with XtraBoost temporarily provides up to 30 kW/41 hp – stored in the high-voltage battery – in addition to its continuous output. This makes the drive characteristics available that are typical of the BMW 3 Series Sedan. For the first time in a BMW hybrid model, this includes an accelerator pedal curve that offers both maximum sporty flair and precision along with a specific shifting programme for the 8-speed Steptronic transmission complete with brake downshifts. The additional XtraBoost makes for a more intense acceleration experience than in a conventionally powered vehicle with a comparable engine output. The XtraBoost can be used up to the minimum charge status of the high voltage battery. It is also available for kickdown manoeuvres and in the M/S position of the gear selector lever.
The driving experience is accompanied by a model-specific sound design that includes highly emotional engine acoustics inside the vehicle, too. As such, the BMW 330e Sedan combines a definite sporty and dynamic orientation with the proven qualities of a plug-in hybrid model.
The electric motor of the new BMW 330e Sedan is integrated in the 8-speed Steptronic transmission in order to save space. Due to its intelligent design, the hybrid-specific transmission is only 15 millimetres longer than the corresponding versions for conventionally powered models of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. Power generation achieves a particularly high level of efficiency through the recuperation of braking energy, with the electric motor taking on the function of a generator. The electrical energy fed into the high-voltage battery in this way or via connection to the power grid also serves to supply the vehicle electrical system. This means that a generator powered by the combustion engine is no longer necessary, thereby further increasing the efficiency of the system as a whole.
With a gross energy content of 12.0 kWh, the lithium-ion high-voltage battery in the new BMW 330e Sedan enables an electrically powered range of up to 60 kilometres* – 50 per cent more than that of the predecessor model. Meanwhile, fuel consumption and emissions figures are reduced by 10 per cent in the second generation of the plug-in hybrid sports sedan. These now drop to up to 1.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres* and up to 39 grams of CO2 per kilometre*.