The BMW 3 Series is already known as a driver’s car. the 330e hybrid model adds even more agility and performance in terms of drivability. You can feel the lag-free throttle response of the electric motor while driving.

In the BMW 330e, the two-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine is assisted by a 113 hp electric motor, bringing the total power output of the car to 292 hp. The maximum torque is an adequate 420 Nm.

The 330e offers three driving modes. The driver can choose between Sport, Hybrid and Electric driving modes. This gives the driver the power to choose which drive mode he or she wants to use.

The car has an excellent feature for maintaining the battery charge level while driving. The Battery Control setting allows you to choose the percentage of battery charge you want to maintain. The car automatically adjusts the combustion engine and electric motor to maintain the desired charge level, for example 40% or 80%.

The total capacity of the driving battery is 12.4 kWh, of which 10.4 kWh is available. BMW promises a driving range of 51-59 kilometres on electric power alone. This range is greatly influenced, especially in colder conditions, by whether the car is already warm inside before driving.

In a test drive in temperatures of a few degrees Celsius and in the rain, we were able to cover a distance of 42 kilometres before the internal combustion engine was started. The top speed in electric mode is as high as 140 km/h and 110 km/h in hybrid mode.

Four-wheel drive and station wagon on the way

the 330e is currently only available as a rear-wheel-drive sedan, unlike the 5 Series, which is already available with four-wheel drive. However, the 330e range is being extended this year with station wagon and four-wheel-drive variants.

Due to the mild winter in southern Finland, the weather conditions during the test drive were only rain, so there was no real need for four-wheel drive. The rear-wheel drive was therefore unproblematic, with only the traction control reacting sensitively to the grip of the soft tyres during faster acceleration, limiting the car’s desire to go.

The eight-speed automatic gearbox is always the power extension. Power from both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is always transmitted to the axle via the gearbox, so there is no noticeable difference in the transmission as to which engine the power comes from.

Drivability still top class

As already mentioned, the BMW 3 Series is still among the best among its nearest competitors in terms of driveability. Hybrid technology gives the car more electrification thanks to the electric motor’s lag-free throttle response.

The steering feel is top-notch for its size and very responsive. The chassis even surprises with its tactile grip, despite the winter tyres.

BMW has stuck to its guns when it comes to the quality of the driving experience, especially in the 3 Series, but the same cannot be said for the quality of the interior materials in all respects. One of the most notable factors affecting quality is the noise level in the cabin.

At highway and motorway speeds, the noise level becomes quite high, which is often a problem for cars of this size. Quietness is associated with quality and premium brand models, something the 3 Series now lacks a little.

The cabin, on the other hand, feels quite large. The dashboard has been kept very simple and the design is youthful compared to many other BMW models. There are no extra protruding panels or buttons, but the aesthetics are ahead of the curve. At the same time, usability has suffered a little.

In addition to excellent driveability and hybrid technology, the 330e offers good standard equipment. A navigation system with a 10-inch touchscreen and virtual instrument cluster, as well as electrically operated parking heater and ventilation, come as standard for €3,000.

This year is already, and will be, the golden age for new hybrid models. There are dozens of new models from different brands and the competition is only getting tougher. BMW is well on the way with its 3-series and other plug-in hybrids, but you can’t just sit back and watch the fire.

BMW 330e Business M-Sport

• Engine: 1998 cm³, 4-cylinder
• Electric motor: 83 kW
• Driving battery capacity: 12.4 kWh
• Maximum power (petrol-electric): 215 kW, 292 hp.
• Maximum torque (petrol-electric): 420 Nm.
• Acceleration: 5.9 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Curb weight: 1815 kg.
• Traction: rear-wheel drive
• Boot capacity: 375 l.
• Combined fuel consumption: 1.9-1.4 l/100km.
• CO2 emissions: 42-31 g/km.
• Starting price: 53 875 euros (330e Business)