More Details on the 2016 BMW 330e Plug-In Hybrid Released

BMW has released additional details on the second plug-in hybrid that will join its U.S. lineup, the 330e. Powering the 2016 BMW 330e is a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 184 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque that’s paired to an electric motor rated at 88 hp and 184 lb-ft, and is backed by a 7.6-kWh lithium-ion battery. Total system output is 252 hp and 310 lb-ft. The only gearbox available is an eight-speed automatic.

BMW says that the 330e can do the 0-62 mph run in 6.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 140 mph. EPA fuel economy numbers for the 2016 330e have not been released as of this writing but BMW says the car is able to travel on electric power alone for up to 25 miles. In EV mode, the electric motor has the capability to provide a brief burst of torque at all speeds, which is ideal when passing slower traffic or merging into highways.

Three driving modes are available in the 330e: Auto eDrive lets the gas engine and electric motor work together and operates at speeds up to 50 mph without the four-cylinder turning on. Max eDrive is the 330e’s EV mode and allows the car to travel on electric power alone at up to 75 mph. Finally, Save Battery mode maintains the battery’s charge above 50 percent and recharges it if it drops. In addition to the three eDrive modes, the 2016 BMW 330e also has three additional drive settings: Comfort, Sport, and Eco Pro. Comfort mode prioritizes ride quality and fuel efficiency while Sport mode enables full system output for maximum performance and power delivery. Eco Pro mode optimizes the 330e’s powertrain and regulates the power output of features like the climate controls, and seat heating to maximize fuel economy.

The 330e also comes with a Proactive Driving Assistant that works in conjunction with the car’s navigation system to help you maximize your fuel efficiency by giving you the most efficient route. Additional functions of the Proactive Driving Assistant include the ability to keep the car in EV mode while driving through residential area or on a route across the city if the battery has sufficient charge. The Proactive Driving Assistant will also reserve electric power for going uphill and allow the battery to take full advantage of the brake energy regeneration system to maximize the battery’s recharge.

Charging the 330e to full takes two hours and 12 minutes using BMW’s i Wallbox, which has a charging power of 3.7 kWh. Using a conventional wall socket, the 330e can be fully charged in three hours. ChargeNow, which is part of BMW’s i mobility services, gives owners of BMW PHEVs access to a large network of public charging stations and has a smartphone app that can locate the nearest one to you. Unlike other plug-in hybrids, the 330e’s batteries don’t intrude into the trunk as much, which gives it a flat trunk floor and 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats.

Source: BMW

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