All-New (G20) BMW 330e World Premiere – New XtraBoost Function

Following the debut of the (G20) 340i xDrive, BMW has now premiered the all-new (G20) 330e plug-in hybrid variant.

The latest generation model carries over the same powertrain layout of the F30-generation 330e albeit with an increased electric range, better efficiency, and the addition of the XtraBoost function which provides a temporary surge of power.

The plug-in hybrid system comprises a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine which produces of 184 hp along with an electric motor which generates a continuous output of 68 hp, and a peak output of 109 hp. Together, the two drive units develop a system output of 252 hp along with a maximum system torque of 420 Nm.

There are three main drive modes in the 330e:

• Hybrid: Engine and electric motor are deployed depending on driving conditions. The vehicle can travel up to 110 km/h on the electric motor alone, 30 km/h faster than the F30 330e predecessor.
• Electric: Full-electric mode and max electric motor performance. The vehicle can travel up to 140 km/h, previously 120 km/h.
• Sport: Maximum vehicle performance. XtraBoost function available; provides a temporary boost of 41 hp.

The XtraBoost function can be used up to the minimum charge status of the high voltage battery. It is also available for kickdown acceleration and in the Manual/Sport positions of the gear selector lever. BMW also claims that the 330e is also the first hybrid model to receive a specific throttle program and gearbox shift-maps, complete with brake downshifts.

The electric motor of the new BMW 330e Sedan is integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission in order to save space. The hybrid-specific transmission measures only 15 mm longer than the corresponding versions for conventionally powered models.

Recuperated energy is fed into the high-voltage battery in this way or via connection to the car's power grid also serves to supply the vehicle's electrical system, negating the need for an alternator/generator powered by the engine for the electrical system. The lithium-ion battery – positioned underneath the rear seats – has also grown in capacity from 5.7 kWh (in the F30 model) to 12.0 kWh which has improved the 330e purely electric driving range from 35 km to up to 60 km. In terms of performance, the 330e accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the F30 330e, up to a top speed of 230 km/h.

In addition, virtually the entire range of optional equipment features for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan is available for the 330e plug-in hybrid. As alternatives to the basic version, the new BMW 330e also comes in the model variants Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line, and M Sport. The optional Adaptive M suspension including, Variable Sports Steering, and the M sports brake system are also offered for the 330e.

The 330e is slated to go on sale in Europe starting June 2019.