Introduction
When it comes to small executive saloons, few can top the success and performance of the BMW 3 Series. Good looks, comfort and value for money all come included in the excellent package – but what would happen when you add a hybrid setup?
Well, BMW did just that in the shape of the 330e iPerformance and with it you theoretically get cleaner driving, better efficiency and a cheaper overall ownership.
But as the car is now over a year old, it is slowly being outdated by other petrol-electric hybrids that are being released in terms of efficiency and electric driving range.
So, does the 330e actually make sense anymore and could it be the executive car for you? Read on to see what we think…
Performance
The 330e uses a combination of a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to create a combined 248bhp, which is a fair amount for a car of its size. Depending on the speeds and modes you use, you can use exclusively one or the other, or a combination of the two to lead to more efficient fuel usage.
In full electric mode at slower speeds, the 330e is quiet, comfortable and perfectly good at getting in and out of urban traffic thanks to the instantaneous delivery of power. The petrol engine can supplement it for that extra boost when getting up to speed, but the main consideration you must think about with the electric power is the overall range. BMW quotes it at 25 miles but depending on how rigorously you use it you may struggle to get that.
In tandem, the volume doesn’t increase too much and this is the mode where you’ll get the full 248bhp. This mode theoretically offers the best mix of efficiency and performance, but depending on how much of the electric power you’ve previously used the economy may not be that great. Longer journeys will draw more electrical power and mean your fuel usage will increase, but shorter trips and this car is great for economy.
Ride & Handling
Most hybrids fail to excite in this aspect, while some other use electric power to add a mighty kick to its performance. The 330e balances to two rather well, as it feels much like every other petrol 3 Series in terms of driving feel and ride.
As with other BMW models, comfort in the ride is not an issue and despite the heavy batteries weighing it down, it certainly doesn’t feel like a heavy car on the road. The steering offers good feel and you will get a good sense of the road beneath you.
Interior & Equipment
It’s as you were inside, with the standard BMW quality and refinement being used to make the 330e as comfortable as you would expect. Our test car came with a red leather interior, which was a stand-out option, but won’t be to everyone’s taste. Other trim options are available.
With a simple and easy-to-use console layout, you will be able to find your way around the infotainment system and the rest of the car’s accessories quite easily.
In the M Sport trim we tested, the 330e came with 18-inch alloy wheels, M Sport suspension, sports seats, M steering wheel, M body styling kit and LED foglights – which is a good amount of equipment on an executive saloon.
Cost
Prices for the 330e iPerformance start from £35,620, which when compared to comparative models is a bit steep. But what competitors don’t have is the advantage of a hybrid powertrain and the possibility of saving money on fuel and road tax.
The version we tested was worth £39,720, due to the trim level selected and the equipment added.
However, business users will find this model to be quite useful indeed thanks to its 9 per cent Benefit in Kind rating due to the lower-than-average emissions.
Verdict
As BMW usually do, they have been able to find the sweet spot. The mixture of petrol and electric power in this vehicle is well-measured and refined, with the interior finish also up to a very high standard. As the 3 Series is aimed at business users, the low BIK rating will be hugely attractive, and despite diesels being better for longer journeys the iPerformance works better everywhere else – so it really depends on how you will use it. With the added bonus of electric power for zero-emissions driving, the 330e could be an excellent choice for you.