Despite its reputation of being a capable and engaging sedan, BMW's 3-Series sedan has transformed into a more matured German luxury machine. BMW is now pushing its "i'" electric sub-brand further into the market.
The company are well-aware of today's technology offerings, which they are using to their advantage and benefit. They know what young buyers would want on their vehicles, as ROT reported.
The 330e iPerformance is exactly what BMW currently stands for. It's a plug-in hybrid that's full of new technology, meant to attract customers that don't necessarily care about a car's driving attributes; but those who just want the latest gadget to spice up their journeys. And just like the i3 and the i8, the 330e is more future-tech as compared to the classic BMW sports sedan.
The 330e houses 7.6 kWh worth of lithium-ion batteries under the trunk floor; an 87-horsepower eDrive motor attached, which enables one to travel up to 14 miles purely on electric thrust; and last but not the least, features a 180-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four engine taken from the 320i. To many, the amount can sound a bit over, but one would be surprised on just how far that range can get you.
This green edition of the world's best-selling luxury sedan is expensive, starting on a price of $44,695. However, it's an excellent choice for those interested in saving the planet without resorting to public transit.
The 330e still acts like the luxurious sedan we all know and love when driving around town in EV mode. It's quiet, refined, and rides over bumps smoothly. The $16,545 worth of options on its $60,245 tester will give customers a lot to play with. Park distance control, blind spot detection, side and top view cameras, active cruise control, and a neat head-up display are just some of the impressive features available to make one's journey more than just a mindless drive.
The hybrid system however, has its own setbacks. The improved range and efficiency added 350 pounds over the standard 3er, resulting in a 3900-pound curb weight. When one starts to drive it around some corners, you would notice the extra heft, as well as its suspension that is quite not compatible with quick direction changes.
Because this is a hybrid car, BMW uses a regenerative braking system to help collect electric energy when the 330e isn't accelerating. While certainly functional, the brake pedal can feel strangely artificial and inconsistent. The stopping power is adequate, but the feeling that its pedal isn't physically connected to anything can be disconcerting.
These faults certainly don't make it a bad car, though. BMW still knows how to develop a balanced chassis; the throttle response is ultra-sharp in Sport+ mode as well, thanks to that instant electric twist.
To conclude, the 330e is very different as compared to past models because its design focus isn't about the sporty driving experience. It's all about the tech.
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