By EWAN KENNEDY
Latest to join the BMW range is the 3 Series 330e petrol-electric hybrid.
The 330e has a realistic range of 28 to 32 kilometres on electric power alone.
BMW points out that the average commute by Australians living in metro areas is 15.6 km so it’s possible to go all week without using petrol.
BMW 330e can be charged from a standard electric powerpoint in about 3.5 hours, from a dedicated BMW BMW iWallbox in 2.25 hours, or at public charging stations.
There are currently 262 public charging stations Australian wide, 256 of them provide free electricity. The Wallbox is priced at $1750 plus installation costs.
The 330e is heavier than the 330i but still manages to jump from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
Luggage space can be increased by folding down the 40/20/60 rear seat backrests.
Visually, the BMW 330e looks almost the same as any other 3 Series. Giveaways are a charging socket panel located in the left front guard and “eDrive” badges on the tailgate, engine cover and doorsill strips.
On the road we found the BMW 330e hybrid smooth, quiet and comfortable.
At speeds up to 30 km/h the 330e makes a discreet sound when operating on electric power only to alert pedestrians who don’t look before crossing the road.
Cleverly, the hybrid’s suspension settings lean slightly more in the comfort direction when compared with the BMW 330i petrol.
Thus reflecting the fact that hybrid drivers are keener on economy rather than blasting around bends. Not that the hybrid’s going to disappoint – it has a front to rear balance of 48 / 52 to the dynamics are still impressive.
