BMW has continued the staggered rollout of the new 3 Series line-up with the 330e plug-in hybrid sedan revealed overnight.
The plug-in hybrid system comprises a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor incorporated into the eight-speed automatic transmission.
The engine is rated to produce 135kW while the electric motor generates a continuous output of 50kW with a peak output of 83kW. The system’s total outputs are rated at 185kW of power and 420Nm of torque.
Pure electric range of up to 60 kilometres is now possible when the 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack is fully charged which is 50 per cent more electric range than that of the predecessor model.
Performance wise, the new 330e can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 230km/h. In EV mode, the top speed has been raised by 20km/h to 140km/h.
The official fuel consumption figure on the combined cycle is a remarkably low 1.7L/100km.
BMW points out the battery is positioned underneath the rear seats, while the fuel tank is located above the rear axle. This means the 375 litres of boot space is only marginally down when compared to other variants of the new 3 Series range.
The 330e will launch in Europe in mid-2019, BMW’s local arm is yet to confirm when we are likely to see the car reach Australia. Stay tuned.
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