Verdict

The plug-in hybrid model of BMW’s government icon isn’t the very best 3 Collection you should buy; it’s higher nonetheless with pure-petrol and even pure-diesel energy, and with solely two pushed wheels. However as an economical company-car selection, the 330e is an immense choice – nonetheless good to drive, with a well-judged, fantastically completed cabin, plus succesful all-electric vary for brief commutes.

BMW is loading up its vary with pure-electric variants of many fashions, however the model nonetheless depends on plug-in hybrid tech for just a few of its key autos. That’s the case with the three Collection, as a result of when you can, in fact, decide the all-electric i4 hatchback, you’ll want to stay with the 330e PHEV if you would like a saloon or Touring property.

It’s the saloon model of the automobile that we’re testing right here – and on UK roads, after the facelifted 3 Collection impressed us on the continent. The recipe seems to be a stable sufficient one on paper; the 330e (on this case, a four-wheel-drive xDrive version) mixes a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an electrical motor for a complete output of 288bhp and 420Nm. These are first rate numbers in a automobile of the three Collection’s measurement, and despite the fact that there’s a little bit additional weight due to the system’s 10.5kWh battery, that is nonetheless an government saloon that may dash from 0-62mph in lower than six seconds.

Effectivity, in fact, is the place PHEVs rating highest – on paper and your tax return, not less than. Firm-car choosers shall be happy to know that the 330e sits within the 12-per cent band of Profit-in-Type, due to the flexibility to run for as much as 36 miles on electrical energy alone, and CO2 emissions of as little as 34g/km (our optioned-up press instance manages 38g/km). In contrast, decide a daily 320i and also you’ll be taking a look at a BiK fee of not less than 34 per cent.

On the highway, the excellent news is that you simply shouldn’t really feel your 3 Collection expertise is being compromised by the additional tech. A hybrid xDrive isn’t the sweetest-driving mannequin within the vary, but it surely’s nonetheless pleasant. There’s meaty, direct steering, exemplary physique management and a suspension set-up that, even in M Sport trim, manages to stroll a tremendous line between retaining the 330e tied down and feeling crashy on poorly surfaced UK roads.

There’s tempo right here too; the eight-speed automated transmission does an excellent job of juggling the completely different energy sources, and whereas the 330e by no means fairly matches the almost-lazy low-down supply of the six-cylinder M340i, it gives sufficient punch at wise revs to keep away from taking the four-cylinder engine locations it doesn’t wish to go. It’s refined at a speedy cruise, too; tyre roar is extra noticeable at velocity than any drone from the bonnet.

Inside, there’s little to recommend you’re in probably the most advanced 3 Collection, past a few additional buttons on the centre console that can help you flick between the automobile’s drive modes – Hybrid, which is sweet for on a regular basis use, then EV if you wish to drive zero-emissions working, or Sport in case you’re in a rush and need the electrical motor and petrol engine to work collectively for optimum efficiency.

In our expertise, you’ll do properly to succeed in the official 36 miles of EV working, however mid-20s ought to be completely achievable. And the system doesn’t simply burn by means of the battery in Hybrid mode, both; it drip-feeds it out the place it will probably make a distinction to the effectivity.

The remainder of the format is similar as different facelifted 3 Collection fashions – which is to say that you simply get the choice of utilizing both the iDrive controller or the touchscreen when you must work together with the (wonderful) infotainment system.

The dashboard blends a 12.3-inch instrument panel with a 14.9-inch central show, and it’s each bit as spectacular now because it was when the three Collection was up to date final 12 months. The cabin supplies are properly judged, too, with high-grade plastics within the areas you’re prone to contact, and complicated metallic finishes in the best locations, too. The swap to a gear toggle as an alternative of the previous stick received’t be to everybody’s style, but it surely does unencumber a little bit of area between the entrance seats.

The PHEV set-up doesn’t have an effect on the 330e’s cabin area, which is okay for 4 six-foot adults. However whereas it retains the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats of the common 3 Collection saloon, the extra environment friendly powertrain does reduce the boot capability from 480 litres to 375 litres. It’s not a deal breaker, but it surely does imply there’s a noticeable hit in practicality.