A survey came out this morning letting Americans know that Germany prefers PHEVs to hybrids or full electric cars.
GKN certainly found the insight!
Everyone would prefer PHEVs if given the choice!
In that vane, the new 330e from BMW is the most evolved form of super-efficient, fast cruising with plug-in battery tech. Married to a twin-power turbo four, the car produces extremely respectable pace: 5.9-seconds to 60-mph from its combined 248HP and 310 pound-feet of torque. Effective, everyday MPG will be at least the 50s in normal use.
A slightly smaller gas tank (and trunk) is the main compromise. And the unsightly battery-charge door in the front fenders. Note: this is much more discreet in dark colors than it looks on this white demo car.
The big news here is that the tech is directly adapted from the BMW i3 and i8, versus some previous efforts of electric BMW sedans. Various modes offer full electric power up to 74-mph on the highway. But not for very long: 14 miles is the max full EV range. Still very good.
All deeply on-trend.. and on-the-way!
The new 330e arrives to the US this summer with a base price of $45k.
2017 BMW 330e iPerformance 
The all-new BMW 330e iPerformance.
22.03.2016 Press Release
Woodcliff Lake, N.J.: March, 2016… The all-new BMW 330e iPerformance adds another highly innovative variant to the BMW 3 Series line-up with its advanced plug-in hybrid drive system. For the first time, cutting-edge BMW i technologies have been integrated into the world’s most successful premium model. The BMW 3 Series Sedan has already set standards for sports performance and fuel economy in its segment using conventional combustion engines. Key ingredients are its intelligent lightweight design, outstanding aerodynamics for its class and the extensive use of BMW EfficientDynamics technology fitted as standard. The all new BMW 330e iPerformance will be available in summer 2016 at dealers starting at $44,695 including Destination and Handling.
Everyday usability, paired with efficiency and driving dynamics. Featuring technology transferred from BMW i. 14 miles in all electric mode.
Woodcliff Lake, N.J.: March , 2016… The all-new BMW 330e iPerformance adds another highly innovative variant to the BMW 3 Series line-up with its advanced plug-in hybrid drive system. For the first time, cutting-edge BMW i technologies have been integrated into the world’s most successful premium model. The BMW 3 Series Sedan has already set standards for sports performance and fuel economy in its segment using conventional combustion engines. Key ingredients are its intelligent lightweight design, outstanding aerodynamics for its class and the extensive use of BMW EfficientDynamics technology fitted as standard. The all new BMW 330e iPerformance will be available in summer 2016 at dealers starting at $44,695 including Destination and Handling. The combustion engine fitted in the BMW 330e iPerformance is based on the four-cylinder gasoline unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology that has already won the International Engine of the Year Award on two occasions. Stand-out characteristics include its sporty power delivery, output of 180 hp and peak torque of 215 lb-ft.
The electric motor, developing 87 hp with maximum peak torque of 184 lb-ft, and the power electronics are derived directly from the BMW eDrive technology featured as standard in the BMW i3 and BMW i8 models. The motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 7.6 kWh (gross)/5.7 kWh (net). The model-specific concept of the high-voltage battery, including its battery management system and highly efficient direct cooling system derive from BMW i. The battery can be recharged at any domestic power socket and is mounted flat in a particularly crash-safe position underneath the load compartment. The power electronics form a single integrated system that drives the electric motor via a liquid-cooled inverter, manages the energy flow from the high-voltage battery to the on-board electrical systems and provides centralized control of hybrid-specific functions.
The BMW 330e iPerformance consequently offers a system output of 248 hp and peak torque of 310 lb-ft, allowing a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 140 mph. Pure-electric driving is possible at speeds of up to 75 mph and with a range of around 14 miles. The electric boost function is permanently enabled. The electric motor supplements the power from the combustion engine with 74 lb-ft of torque and can deliver a brief extra boost– depending on the position of the accelerator – of up to 184 lb-ft.
