BMW 330e now has an increased electric range

MANILA: Electric vehicles are catching up. They surely are. With the automakers releasing hybrids and pure electric vehicles, one can understand that the manufacturers are getting their hold on better technologies. After the all-new BMW 3 Series, BMW has now come up with an updated 330e as well.

On the exterior, the new BMW 330e is no different than the regular BMW 3 Series Sedan. The port for charging the batteries and the hybrid badge are the only distinguishable elements on the 330e. Move inside and the interior also resembles the 3 Series Sedan, however, there are a few extra buttons for hybrid functionalities. The trunk on the new BMW 330e is relatively smaller now, all because of the larger battery pack, but that is positive though.

The newer version of the BMW 330e continues to derive its power from a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-pot mill that churns out 184 PS of maximum power. The electric motor that produces 68 PS continuously is integrated into the transmission itself. It can produce a maximum of 113 PS of power, though. 252 PS of maximum power and 420 Nm of peak torque are the combined power figures for the engine and the electric motor together. When needed, one can get 43 PS more of power via the XtraBoost. Finally, the power delivery to the wheels is done by an 8-speed Steptronic unit.

Coming to the increased electric range, it is all because of a larger than before battery pack which now rates at 12 kWh (previously 7.6 kWh). The electric range has now been increased to 60 kms and a top speed of 109 kmph (previously 80 kmph) can be achieved with the electric motor. With electric motor and engine combined, the BMW 330e can do a 0-100 kmph run in 6 seconds and the top speed is rated at 230 kmph. BMW has also claimed 10% lesser CO2 emission than the outgoing model.