BMW: new 3-Series PHEV sedans coming to America
News updated on April 6, 2020 (Canadian prices announced)
BMW will add plug-in-hybrid sedans to its popular 3-Series line-up. The 2021 330e and 330e xDrive sedans will be on sale in May 2020. This announcement was made by the German manufacturer in March.
The two new sedans expand on not only the core of the 3-Series range (of which over 15 million units have been sold worldwide) but also the heart and passion of the BMW brand.
They utilize an electronically controlled powertrain made of an electric motor, a high-voltage battery pack and an internal combustion gasoline engine to enhance the performance driving experience.
Over 300 hp
A 2.0-liter TwinPower turbo engine developing 181 hp @ 3,800 – 6,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450 – 3,600 rpm is complemented by an electric traction motor developing 107 hp and 77 lb-ft of torque giving a combined power output of 288 hp and 310 lb ft or torque. But there’s more and it’s called XtraBoost.
XtraBoost is a new feature in these sedans designed to enhance power and performance when the throttle is depressed to the kick down position. Available in Sport mode, XtraBoost offers an immediate 40 hp power increase for up to 10 seconds.
Over 30 km of electric autonomy
A 9.09 kWh lithium-ion battery located underneath the rear seats provides the storage capacity for electric only and performance-oriented driving. The estimated EPA purely electric range for the BMW 330e sedan is 35 kilometres (32 kilometres for the 330e xDrive sedan).
The new BMW 330e (rear-wheel drive) and 330e xDrive (all-wheel-drive) are equipped with a standard 8-speed Sport Steptronic transmission.
They can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 and 6.0 seconds respectively.
On March 6, 2020 BMW Canada announced an MSRP of $44,950 for the 330 and $54,000 for the 330e xDrive.
Text: Luc Gagné
Photos: BMW