BMW is expanding its 3 Series plug-in hybrid range by adding three new models – including Touring variants.
Joining the existing 330e Saloon from this coming summer, the Touring will be offered in rear-wheel drive as well as BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, which will also be made available on the Saloon, expanding the range further and playing a core role in BMW Group plans to offer 25 electrified models by 2023.
The new Touring version will use the same petrol-electric powertrain as the current 330e Saloon, which pairs a 184hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 113hp electric motor integrated in the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, giving a total system output of 252hp. This can be boosted by an additional 40hp for up to 10 seconds using the XtraBoost function. The 0-62mph time is 6.1 seconds for the Tourer with a 136mph top speed.
Early data puts the Touring’s combined fuel consumption at 176mpg with combined CO2 emissions from 39g/km, compared to 176-201mpg and 32-37g/km for the Saloon.
The two all-wheel drive PHEV versions of the BMW 3 Series will also arrive this summer, bringing a combined fuel consumption from 166mpg with combined CO2 emissions from 38g/km for the 330e xDrive Saloon while the 330e xDrive Touring combined fuel consumption is from 156mpg and with combined CO2 emissions of 42g/km.
The new BMW 330e xDrive Saloon accelerates from standstill to 62mph in 5.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 139mph, with figures of 6.2 seconds and 133mph for the 330e xDrive Touring. Electric-only ranges stand at 36 and 34 miles respectively.
The 12.0kWh lithium-ion battery, manufactured in-house, is positioned under the rear seat, impacting slightly on boot space, which is reduced to 1,420 litres. Electric-only range stands at 34 to 36 miles and charging can be carried out via a BMW i Wallbox, taking three and a half hours to achieve full capacity, while using the standard charging cable at conventional household sockets gives a 100% charge in 5.7 hours.
All 3 Series PHEV models get active pedestrian protection as standard, providing acoustic alerts when running on electric power at speeds of up to 19mph.
Other standard features include triple-zone automatic air conditioning and auxiliary air conditioning, Parking Assistant which combines a rear view camera with automated parking functionality, including reversing assistant. BMW Live Cockpit ConnectedDrive, which includes full voice control in the form of BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant in addition to the latest generation BMW Operating System 7.0, includes full navigation, Remote Services, Apple CarPlay and Connected Music as standard.
