BMW is expanding its 3 Series plug-in hybrid range to add in three new models; including Touring variants.

The BMW 330e xDrive Touring and the 330e xDrive Sedan

Joining the existing 330e Sedan from summer 2020, the Touring will be offered in rear-wheel drive as well as BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, which will also be made available on the Saloon, expanding the range further and playing a core role in BMW Group plans to offer 25 electrified models by 2023.

The new Touring version will use the same petrol-electric powertrain as the 330e Saloon, which marries up a 184hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine featuring TwinPower Turbo Technology with a 113hp electric motor integrated in the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, giving a total system output of 252hp. This can be boosted by an additional 40hp for up to 10 seconds under the XtraBoost functionality. The 0-100km/h time is 6.1 seconds for the Touring with a 136mph top speed (both provisional figures).

The provisional data also puts the Touring’s combined fuel consumption from 1.7l/100km with combined CO2 emissions from 39g/km, compared to 17.7-1.6l/100km and 32-37g/km for the saloon. Electric-only range is 65km for the Touring, compared to 60km for the Saloon.

The two all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid versions of the BMW 3 Series will also arrive this summer, bringing a combined fuel consumption from 1.8l/100km with combined CO2 emissions from 38g/km for the 330e xDrive Saloon while the 330e xDrive Touring combined fuel consumption is from 2.0l/100km and with combined CO2 emissions of 42g/km.

The new BMW 330e xDrive Saloon accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 224km/h, with figures of 6.2 seconds and 214km/hr for the 330e xDrive Touring. Electric-only ranges stand at 36 miles and 34 miles respectively.

The 12.0kWh lithium-ion battery, manufactured inhouse, is positioned under the rear seat, bringing a slight impact on boot space, which falls to a maximum of 1,420 litres for the Touring. Charging can be carried out via a BMW i Wallbox, taking 3.4 hours to achieve full capacity, while using the standard charging cable at conventional household sockets gives a 100% charge in 5.7 hours.

All 3 Series plug-in hybrid models get active pedestrian protection as standard, providing acoustic alerts when running on electric power at speeds of up to 30km/h.

Other standard features include an automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the vehicle. BMW Live Cockpit ConnectedDrive, which also includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant in addition to a navigation system, Remote Services, Apple CarPlay preparation and Service Connected Music, is also standard equipment on the electrified models. All models are also offered as Sport Line, Luxury Line or M Sport variants.