New BMW 330e Launched At BMW Innovations Days
BMW Group Malaysia is hosting the BMW Innovation Days Malaysia 2016 from 26 – 28 August at Desa Parkcity Waterfront Car Park 2 to celebrate the German premium automaker’s 100 years of innovation. Cars on display at the show include the classic BMW 2002 as well as the futuristic i8, as well as a collection of Motorrad motorcyles. Also available will be test drives of various BMW models.
The highlight at today’s gathering was the launch of the 330e, a plug-in hybrid version of the compact premium executive sedan. With the government’s EEV (energy efficient vehicle) incentive, BMW is offering the 330e at RM 248,800 (on the road without insurance). This places the car in between the 320i Sport (RM 228,800) and 330i M Sport (RM 268,800).
The BMW 330e comes in Sport trim, with black kidney grilles, black chrome twin tailpipes and black trim on the B-pillar and window bar of rear doors as well as on the front and rear bumpers. The wheels are 18″ light alloy V-spoke with mixed size tires. Other than the eDrive and 330e badges and the charge port lid on the front passenger-side fender, it looks like any other F30 3 Series.
The 330e is powered by an eDrive synchronous electric motor which produces 65 kW and 250 Nm of torque from 0-2,500 rpm and a 2-liter, 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine which produces 187 PS and 290 Nm from 1,350-4,250 rpm. The two powerplants combine to produce 252 PS and 420 Nm, allowing the 330e to go from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and have a top speed of 225 km/h.
The electric motor is integrated with the 8-speed automatic transmission (with Steptronic) and obtains power from the lithium-ion battery. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 7.6kWh from the 80 cells collected in 5 modules at the rear of the car; this reduces the cargo space to 370 liters (from 480 liters). In full electric mode, the car can reach top speed of 120 km/h. Combined fuel consumption is claimed at 2.1 liters / 100 km.
As a plug-in hybrid, a home charger is included with the car which allows the battery to be charged via the domestic power socket in 5 hours. You can also opt for the BMW i Wallbox Pro which can charge the battery in 3.5 hours.
The hybrid eDrive system allows for 3 driving modes i.e. AUTO eDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE and SAVE BATTERY. In AUTO mode, the intelligent energy management system selects the optimal drive combination and ensures a balanced driving character which combines sportiness and efficiency. In MAX, the system prioritizes electric drive and the combustion engine starts working only when more power is needed. The electric motor also acts as a generator during braking and coasting to charge the battery. On full charge, the battery is capable of up to 37 km in full electric mode. Meanwhile, SAVE BATTERY mode aims to conserve or replenish the battery. In this mode, the petrol engine can also charge the battery up to 50% to enable all-electric driving at a later time.
Like the regular 3 Series, Driving Experience Control allows you to switch between COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO modes which change the steering, transmission and chassis functions.
“The launch of the new BMW 330e is a testament to both the legacy of the BMW brand and future oriented mobility. Since its inception, the BMW 3 Series sedan has been challenging boundaries and standards in its class without forsaking its identity as an iconic driving machine. Today, the BMW 330e continues to drive the future of mobility with pioneering hybrid technology and cutting-edge engineering,” said Mr. Han Sang Yun, MD & CEO of BMW Group Malaysia.
The BMW 330e is equipped with full LED headlights and fog lights, dynamic braking lights, run-flat tires and flat tire indicator, Dakota leather upholstery, Sport leather steering wheel, sunroof, keyless entry and start, 9-speaker audio system, iDrive Touch Controller, 8.8″ display and full-color head-up display. Other features also include Parking Assistant with automatic steering for parallel and perpendicular parking as well as BMW ConnectedDrive which includes the latest generation Navigation System Professional, Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Concierge Services and eDrive Services.
