Everyone calls the upcoming Tesla Model 3 a 3 Series fighter, but BMW is prepared to fight the Model 3 too—with hybrid power and a lot of efficiency. Meet the hybrid 330e iPerformance. Is it the green-ish sport sedan you need?
The 330e iPerformance combines the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the 320i with an electric motor that cranks out 87 horsepower and a maximum peak torque of 184 lb-ft. This gives the 330e a total output of 247 HP and a respectable 310 lb-ft of torque. Combined power is put to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic, and BMW estimates the 330e will hit 60 in 5.9 seconds.
Drivers can choose between three eDrive specific programs depending on their needs.
AUTO eDRIVE: This setting ensures the combustion engine and electric motor work optimize all driving situations and enable a pure-electric top speed of 50 mph. This is the default setting and is activated each time the car is started up.
MAX eDRIVE: In this mode the BMW 330e iPerformance uses electric power only, allowing it to drive for up to 14 miles with zero local emissions. In so doing, it draws on the electric drive system’s full power output and reaches a top speed of 75 mph. The combustion engine can activate at any time if the accelerator is pushed down beyond its kick down position when additional power is required, e.g. for overtaking.
SAVE BATTERY: This mode contains two operating settings. If the high-voltage battery’s charge is below 50 percent, the battery is charged to 50 percent by the combustion engine. If over 50 percent of battery charge remains, the charge level is “frozen”, so that the remaining electric energy can be used for part of the upcoming journey.
Because BMW knows you need more driving modes with your driving modes, 330e iPerformance drivers can also select ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT and available SPORT+ via Driving Dynamics Control switch.
After a full day of SPORT+ MAX driving the electric motor’s lithium-ion battery’s can be fully charged in about 30 minutes using BMW i Wallbox Level II 240V charger. Opt for the 120v wall unit and it will take around 6-7 hours for the batteries to refill from empty. Fuel efficiency figures for the 330e have not yet been released.
Starting MSRP for the 330e iPerformance is $44,695 including destination and handling and will be available this Summer.
With the upcoming Tesla Model 3 having a target price of around $35,000 before incentives, BMW may have a tough sell with this one.