The all-new BMW 330e plug-in hybrid will make its world debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show in two weeks along with a few other hybrids from the German manufacturer.
The 330e combines a 184-hp 4-cylinder engine with an 88-hp electric motor to produce 252 hp overall while achieving 1.9-2.1L/100km according to the European test cycle (expect slightly higher numbers in North America). This means a range of about 600 km in ideal conditions. Power goes to the rear axle through an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The BMW 330e reportedly takes 6.1 seconds to sprint from 0-100 km/h. In EV mode, top speed is rated at 120 km/h, but you’ll have to drive slower than that to get 40 km of zero-emission range. Charging takes 3.25 hours using a 220V outlet or 2.25 hours with the available BMW i Wallbox.
The 5-passenger 330e offers a premium interior where comfort and ergonomics abound. Standard features include an auxiliary heating and cooling system that can be activated by a button on the car key or pre-programmed using a 2-week timer either on the iDrive operating system or via the BMW ConnectedDrive smartphone app.
Pricing and global availability have yet to be specified.
Also on display at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show will be the BMW 225xe with eDrive technology, the all-new 7 Series, as well as the second-generation X1.