BMW 3 Series Lineup Now Includes Hybrid Models
BMW adds variety with all-new 330e Sedan and Touring, soon available with intelligent all-wheel drive.
BMW is increasing the significance and appeal of plug-in hybrid drives in the premium mid-range segment with a comprehensive model offensive. In the BMW 3 Series, the range of vehicles with electrified drive will be expanded over the coming months from the one model a total of four models.
Following the successful market launch of the new BMW 330e Sedan, the new BMW 330e Touring will also hitting dealers in the upcoming months. In addition, both models will be available from summer 2020 with both classic rear-wheel drive and the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive.
In all BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid models, latest-generation BMW eDrive technology increases efficiency and electrically powered range. The spontaneous power delivery of the electric motor can be felt during start-up and acceleration, contributing in particular to the car’s highly spirited character. The high energy content of the lithium-ion high-voltage batteries units featuring the very latest battery cell technology enables the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 3 Series to run on electrical power only.
In this way, the BMW Group continues to consistently pursue its model initiative in the area of electrically powered vehicles in 2020. BMW has already sold half a million vehicles with purely electric or plug-in hybrid drive systems worldwide by the end of 2019. By the end of 2021, the BMW Group aims to have more than one million vehicles with electrified drive systems on the road. A quarter of the vehicles sold by the BMW Group in Europe will be electrified by 2021: this share will increase to a third by 2025 and to half by 2030. The BMW Group plans to expand its range to include 25 electrified models by 2023.
Power of Choice
BMW is using a “Power of Choice” approach to meet the individual mobility needs of its customers all over the world. A broad spectrum of drive technologies – including not just highly efficient gas and diesel engines but also pure electric drive and plug-in hybrid systems – results in a well-adapted model selection that is tailored to a wide range of legal requirements and individual preferences. Diversity is continuously increasing in the range of electrically powered models, too. With the new plug-in hybrid models of the BMW 3 Series, customers now have additional options. The electrified Touring models combine maximum efficiency with the extended interior space enabled by their versatile body concept. The use of plug-in hybrid technology in conjunction with intelligent all-wheel drive is geared in particular to the requirements of driving on snow, in mountainous regions and off-road.
Touring Models Debut Electrification
As of summer 2020, the advantages of an electrified drive system will be available in two BMW Touring models for the first time. They combine the progressive character of their drive system with the proven qualities of a vehicle concept that unites driving pleasure and functionality in a particularly appealing way. Their dynamic design is characterized by a long roof line, precisely drawn lines and powerful surfaces. In their versatile interior, the Touring models with plug-in hybrid drive offer exactly the same level of interior comfort on five seats as the conventionally powered model variants. Meanwhile the luggage compartment volume is only slightly limited due to the space-saving arrangement of the high-voltage battery under the rear seat. By folding down the rear backrest, storage space can be expanded.
The plug-in hybrid system of the new BMW 330e Touring comprises a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an output of 184 hp along with an electric motor integrated in the 8-speed Steptronic transmission which generates a peak output of 113 hp. The system output generated by the two power units can be increased by an additional 40 hp for up to 10 seconds under especially high loads. This standard XtraBoost is available in SPORT mode, which can be activated by means of the driving experience switch. It increases the system output to up to 292 hp, thereby maintaining the model-specific properties of the sporting character so typical of the BMW 3 Series.
Drawing on its two power units, the new BMW 330e Touring accelerates from zero to 62 in 6.1 seconds. In Hybrid mode the new BMW 330e Sedan is able to reach a speed of up to 68 mph when running on electric power alone when the Electric mode is activated with the eDrive button, the vehicle can even reach speeds of up to 87 mph drawing on the power of its eDrive alone.
BMW eDrive in combination with BMW xDrive.
Parallel to the market launch of the BMW 330e Touring, two all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid versions of the BMW 3 Series will also see their launch. These feature the same plug-in hybrid system as the corresponding rear-wheel-drive models. In the new BMW 330e xDrive Sedan and in the new BMW 330e xDrive Touring, power delivery from the electric motor and engine is combined with power transmission to all four wheels. BMW eDrive meets BMW xDrive – combining exemplary efficiency with superior versatility.
Via an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system distributes the power from the engine and electric motor between the front and rear wheels as required at all times. Networked with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), the system adapts the distribution of drive torque precisely to the respective driving situation within a fraction of a second. Fully variable power distribution ensures maximum traction and driving stability in all road and weather conditions. It also supports the sporty handling of the sedan and touring model with plug-in hybrid drive. The new BMW 330e xDrive Sedan accelerates from standstill to 62 mph in 5.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 139 mph. The new BMW 330e xDrive Touring completes the standard sprint in 6.2 seconds, achieving a maximum speed of 132 mph. With an electric range of 36 miles for the Sedan and 34 for the Touring model, the all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 3 Series also offer ideal conditions for using electric power alone to handle most day-to-day driving such as commuting or traveling within city limits.
Lithium-Ion High-Voltage StorageÂ
The plug-in hybrid models in the new BMW 3 Series owe their long electric range to the latest advances in battery cell technology. Their lithium-ion batteries, designed specifically for each model and manufactured by the BMW Group, have a gross energy content of 12.0 kWh and a capacity of 34 Ah. In relation to its size and weight, the high-voltage battery installed in the current generation provides a particularly extensive energy supply. The battery cells produced according to BMW Group specifications have an exceptionally high storage capacity. The electrical energy stored in the high-voltage battery is also used to supply the vehicle’s electrical system. The high-voltage battery is charged in a particularly efficient way during travel by means of brake energy recuperation. What is more, it can be charged at conventional household sockets using the standard charging cable.
Extensive Standard EquipmentÂ
All plug-in hybrid models in the new BMW 3 Series are fitted as standard with active pedestrian protection. In addition, the standard equipment of the BMW 3 Series models with electric drive includes 3-zone automatic air conditioning and auxiliary air conditioning. At low outdoor temperatures, the interior can also be conveniently heated prior to setting off – even if the battery charge status is low. The preconditioning function also enables the interior to be cooled at high outside temperatures. The interior can be pre-conditioned remotely via BMW Connected using a smartphone. The standard equipment of the plug-in hybrid models in the BMW 3 Series also includes an automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the vehicle. BMW Live Cockpit ConnectedDrive, which also includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant in addition to a navigation system, Remote Services, Apple CarPlay preparation, and Service-Connected Music, is also standard equipment on the electrified models. As an alternative to the basic equipment, they are available in the form of a Sport Line, Luxury Line or M Sport model.
Hybrid-Specific Digital ServicesÂ
For the market launch of the new 3 Series plug-in hybrid models, new BMW Connected digital services will be presented which makes charging the high-voltage battery en route even more attractive and convenient. When selecting a public charging station, the navigation system also provides the driver with a list of recommended nearby hotels, restaurants, cafés, tourist attractions, and cultural institutions. Charging station availability can also be checked using the vehicle display and operating system. The driver receives the information along with a forecast of the occupancy status of the public charging station at the time of arrival. In the future, it will also be possible to reserve a charging station for a limited period of time, providing the respective charging infrastructure operator supports this function.
With the new BMW eDrive Zones function, which will be a standard feature in all BMW plug-in hybrid models from summer 2020, urban environmental zones can be automatically detected using geo-fencing technology. On entering the zone, the vehicle then automatically switches to purely electric mode, responding in the same way as a purely electrically powered vehicle and enjoying the same access rights, as per local regulations. The new function ensures even better exploitation of the potential offered by plug-in hybrid vehicles. The increase in the distance covered electrically not only helps optimize efficiency and reduce emissions, but it also reduces the customer’s operating costs. This applies particularly to city traffic, where electric power consistently achieves a higher level of efficiency than a petrol or diesel engine.
Expect to see the fleet roll into dealers this summer.
Photos: BMW
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