2018 BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrid Sedan

Available as the 330e iPerformance starting at $45,600, the Bimmer is one of the cheapest among its competitors who offer similar performance and features. The 2.0L 4 cylinder engine has won a lot of awards worldwide because of its juicy Performance and drivability. The addition of a Li-ion battery helps the Bimmer generate a combined power output of 248Hp and 310 lb-ft of Torque from the Gasoline Engine and the Electric Motor.

There haven’t been many additions in the 2018 BMW 330e in comparison to the Outgoing 2017 model. However, there are a few welcome additions this year as Standard on the Base variant which includes an all-new 6.5” iDrive6.0 infotainment system, front Powered Seats, Climate Control and Cruise Control.

Trims	330e iPerformance
MSRP	$45,600
Key Features	Auto Start Stop Function
	3 Spoke Leather wrapped multifunction sports steering wheel with controls for Audio, Cruise Control, and Bluetooth Wireless telephony
	10 Way Powered Front seats with memory for Driver and Mirrors
	8 Speed Steptronic Transmission with adaptive transmission control and paddle shifters
	40/20/40 Split seating
	Pre Wiring for SiriusXM Satellite radio tuner
	HD Radio with Multicast FM station reception
	Rear View Camera and Auto-Dimming Interior and Driver Side Mirror
	Rain Sensing Windshield wipers with adjustable speed and auto headlight control
	Perforation and Tire pressure monitor

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Since the BMW 330e is present in only one variant, we don't have any trims to compare. You dont need choices when you're out to save the planet.

When it comes to measuring fuel economy, or citing their monthly expenditures on premium unleaded, many BMW owners would probably get an “F.” That may [not] be an issue for the 330e, the new plug-in hybrid version of the venerable 3 Series sport sedan. If you’re patient enough to do the math, the 330e delivers impressive mileage gains and at-the-pump savings versus a typical gasoline 3er - Thedrive.com

Engine and Transmission

BMW hasn’t made many changes to the Engine and performance of the 2018 version as compared to the outgoing model, which is a good thing. The Engine offers Good Punch across the revs and feel enthusiastic all throughout. The Transmission also feels good and seem less in Upshifts and Downshifts with crisp gear changes

 

Models	BMW 330e iPerformance	Mercedes-Benz C 350e Plug-In Hybrid	Infiniti Q50 Hybrid luxe	Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX
MSRP	$45,600	$47,900	$50,600	$35,210
Engine	2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder/AC Synchronous Electric Motor with integrated power electronics	2.0L Turbo I4 + Plug-in Hybrid Motor	3.5L V6 w/INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid	2.0L Dual CVVT DOHC I4
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic	6-speed automatic
Horsepower	247 hp	275hp	360 hp	202 hp
Torque	310 lb-ft	443 lb-ft	258 lb-ft	276 lb-ft

 

 

Acceleration

Being a BMW means the car should have good acceleration and this is what is reflected in this car as well. The addition of the heft does make this Bimmer slower than its other sibling 3 series sedans but isn’t that slow as the Electric motor does compensate for the added weight

Models	BMW 330e iPerformance	Mercedes-Benz C 350e Plug-In Hybrid	Infiniti Q50 Hybrid luxe	Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX
0-60 MPH	5.9 sec	5.8 sec	4.6 sec	7.7 sec
Quarter mile	14.1 sec	14.0 sec	13.6 sec	15.9 sec
Engine	2.0L Hybrid	2.0L Hybrid	3.5L Hybrid	2.0L
Emissions	NA	NA	6.1 Ton/yr of CO2 @ 15K Miles/Year	NA

 

Braking

The Braking is Crisp and Precise as expected with good bite, feel and feedback and isn’t anyway lacking to the Competition, bettering some of its arch rivals handsomely. The overall characteristics of the gas powered 3 series sedan are carried forward in the hybrid as well and the braking performance in totality is a driver's delight.

Model	BMW 330e iPerformance	Mercedes-Benz C 350e Plug-In Hybrid	Infiniti Q50 Hybrid luxe	Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX
Brake Front (in.)	12.3	13.0	12.6	12.0
Brake Rear (in.)	11.8	11.8	12.1	11.2
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3900	3924	4015	3788
60-0 MPH (ft.)	113	113	115	N/A

Although the individual City and Highway mileage figures are not available to us as of now for the BMW, but the Overall figures for the Bimmer are a Respectable 30MPG for a sedan of this kind. However, you can get even higher Mileage figures if you are gentler on the Throttle or use the car in pure electric mode.

Model	BMW 330e iPerformance	Mercedes-Benz C 350e Plug-In Hybrid	Infiniti Q50 Hybrid luxe	Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX
MPG (city)	N/A	45 eMPG	27	N/A
MPG (highway)	N/A	61 eMPG	32	N/A
MPG (combined)	30	N/A	29	40

“In the cabin, the 3 Series suffers from its age, when it's compared to high-tech wonders like the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class”

-Autoblog.com

 Interior Seating

The Interiors of the 330e speaks of the Build quality of the Germans. All panels have been solidly put together and have been made from top notch materials-be it Burl Walnut in the dashboard or High Quality Aluminium.

The Features list have been explained previously although some features that are missing can be found here. The standard variant features seats made of Synthetic Leather and good bolstering and support for the passengers. The infotainment system though feels like a learning curve but is easy to use once you get the hang of using the same.

Contrary to the perception, the 3 series has good seating space despite some of the floor board and the cabin space being occupied by the batteries. There is decent legroom for the rear passengers as well as good levels of Headspace as well.

Cargo Space

The Boot isn’t as spacious as the normal 330i or other 3 series variants but is good enough to carry luggage for trips and doesn’t hamper space that much. You also have the option of 20/60/20 split seating that liberates more space when needed.

 

Model	BMW 330e iPerformance	Mercedes-Benz C 350e Plug-In Hybrid	Infiniti Q50 Hybrid luxe	Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.3/55.1/42	40.9/55.3/41.7	39.5/56.7/44.5	39.8/58.1/45.5
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.7/55.1/35.1	37.1/55/35.2	36.8/56.1/35.1	37.8/56.4/35.6
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	13.0	11.8	9.4	9.9

 

“The lines are classic and elegant, sharp and expressive, with large headlamps and air intakes and a distinctive rear end”

- Autoblog.com

Dimensions and Weights

The Exteriors of the 330e are pretty much the same as compared to the conventional 3 series. The dimensions remain the same as compared to other 3 series sedans and the comparison with other cars have been listed below in terms of overall dimensions. This also means the Bimmer isn’t as flashy to look at unlike its Rivals like the Merc or the Infiniti but there is no denying the fact that the BMW will appeal to people of all ages.

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Model	BMW 330e iPerformance	Mercedes-Benz C 350e Plug-In Hybrid	Infiniti Q50 Hybrid luxe	Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX
Kerb weight (lbs.)	3900	3924	4015	3788
Length(in)	182.8	184.5	189.6	191.1
Width(in)	71.3	71.3	71.8	73.2
Height(in)	56.3	56.8	57.2	57.5
Ground clearance (in)	5.5	4.8	5.1	5.1
Wheelbase (in)	110.6	111.4	112.2	110.4
Track width (in) F/R	60.3/61.9	61.5/60.9	60.4/61.4	63.1/63.3

Exterior Features

The BMW is similar to the other siblings of the family. However, few things that are standard include all

• LED Headlamp lighting setup
• Power PlugIn spot near the front fender for charging the vehicle when needed
• Run flat Tires
• 330e badging on the Rear End of the Car.

BMW has not skipped on safety features and has added a lot of safety features as Standard on the 330e. IIHS and NHTSA tests haven’t been conducted for the 330e but it has been conducted for the gasoline powered 3 series variants and the 3 series has outperformed the expectations of all by getting superb scores-details of which can be found on the website of the IIHS and NHTSA. Although most safety features have been previously discussed, some other features include

• BMW Assist eCall which includes Emergency Request(SOS button) and Enhanced Auto Collision Notification
• Anti Theft Alarm System
• Impact Sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal disconnection of Alternator, Fuel Pump, Starter from Battery; Automatically unlocks Doors; Turns on Hazard and Interior Lights automatically
• LATCH attachments for Child Restraint safety installation
• Auto Levelling Headlamps

 

The BMW competes with the Kia optima Plugin Hybrid, Infinti Q50 Hybrid Luxe and the Mercedes Benz C 350 Plug in Hybrid

BMW vs Kia

In terms of cargo space, the Bimmer has its nose ahead by offering 13cu ft of Cargo Volume as compared to the Kia Optima’s 9.9 cu ft. Also, its way more spacious and roomier in seating than the Kia as well but is heavier than the Kia which will make the Bimmer a great mile muncher on the Highway. The Kia also being the heaviest translates to lower braking performance than the BMW as well.

BMW vs Infiniti Q50

The BMW being the most spacious offers more space than the 9.4cu ft of the Infiniti. Also, the BMW edges ahead in terms of sheer driving pleasure and spaciousness of the cabin. However, the Infiniti does come with a little better equipment list that may be a downer on the BMW but not a deal breaker.

BMW vs Mercedes Benz C 350

The closest rival to the BMW has always been the Mercedes. The BMW cannot match the rear seat comfort of the Merc but is an overall better driver’s car. The Fuel efficiency is the best against the rivals for both the BMW and The Mercedes as well. The Braking is equally good in both cars. However we would recommend the BMW if you want a better driver’s car rather than a chauffeur driven one

So to sum up the BMW 330e, at an MSRP of $45,600, the BMW is the cheapest of its 2 major rivals leaving out the Kia as it’s the most underpowered here. But at this price, the BMW has to offer a lot-great levels of cabin and cargo space, good braking performance, decent level of standard features and good efficiency. However, if you keep on adding the options to the car the prices may go up substantially.

But in our View, if you are looking for an all round driver’s car with great driving dynamics and practicality in Real life, the BMW trumps the others here and that is why, a fantastic buy according to us.