BMW announced that it will launch the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid in 2016, as part of its introduction of the latest enhancement to its brand shaping 3 Series.
The BMW 330e will be powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system with a combined output of around 250 hp and 310 lb-ft (preliminary), giving the BMW 330e a 0–60 mph acceleration time of approximately 6.1 (preliminary) and a top speed of 140 mph (preliminary).
The new BMW 330e is also capable of travelling up to 22 miles in all-electric mode and therefore with zero local emissions.
Last year, BMW revealed the 3 series plug-in hybrid prototype which combined a four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine from the new Efficient Dynamics engine family with an electric motor, with an average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are approximately 2 litres/100 km (140 mpg imp or 117.6 mpg US) and 50 g/km respectively.
The drive torque from engine and electric motor is supplied to the rear wheels of the BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype via an 8-speed Steptronic transmission which – as on conventionally powered BMW models – makes its own additional contribution to the efficiency of the overall drive system.
