BMW expands the 3 Series PHEV range

New Launches 

When you're looking to lease a new car there's nothing wrong with following the herd, especially when the herd is driving the BMW 3 Series. You know exactly what you're getting with a 3 Series, and now BMW has announced the expansion of the Plug-in Hybrid range you could be getting even more.

BMW has already launched the 330e Saloon and until now that was the only option for anyone looking to take advantage of hybrid technology in the 3 Series. A choice of one isn't really a choice though. Now you have a choice of four it's a different story, or at least it will be when the new models become available this summer.

Having said that BMW has exercised a little artistic licence in their announcement, although it is technically correct. Yes, there are now four PHEV options, but the options are either a saloon or an estate, with or without all-wheel drive BMW xDrive. Fundamentally it makes no difference which you opt for because you're getting the same 330e. In which case you simply choose the one that makes the most sense for you and get on with the job of enjoying it.

There is plenty to enjoy too. Much the same as the rest of the BMW range the 3 Series is a good looking and well equipped car, and there's no doubt that they are a joy to drive regardless of which one you choose. The 330e is no exception and you could even argue that thanks to the hybrid technology it might even be slightly better than the rest.

The hybrid powertrain not only increases efficiency and electrically powered range for all 3 Series plug-in hybrid models, it also enhances driving dynamics. The instant power delivery of the electric motor is immediately obvious and gives the 330e a nice little power boost as well as offering a zero emissions range of around 35 miles.

The electric part of the hybrid system sits alongside a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 184bhp. The electric motor is integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, and adds an extra 113bhp. The total system output of 252bhp can also be temporarily boosted to 292bhp under especially high loads if you've opted for the Sport mode that features the XtraBoost switch. Even without that option the BMW 330e can reach 60mph in six seconds and hit a top speed of 136mph. Not too shabby from a car that also boasts economy figures of up to 200mpg and CO2 figures below 40g/km.





The standard equipment in the 330e is equally impressive and includes everything you would normally find in a BMW, and a few extra bits. You get active pedestrian protection which generates an artificial noise when on electric power to alert other road users of your otherwise silent approach. There's also auxiliary air conditioning that can heat or cool the car before you even get into it.

You also get Parking Assistant which combines a rear view camera with automated parking functionality, including reversing assistant; BMW Live Cockpit which includes full voice control and BMW's intelligent personal assistant; and the latest generation BMW Operating System 7.0 which includes full navigation, Remote Services, Apple CarPlay and Connected Music as standard. On top of all that you can also choose from virtually the entire range of optional equipment available for the new BMW 3 Series.

You don't need us to tell you the BMW 330e is a good choice of car though. Talk about stating the obvious. If you are leasing your car and you want a solid all-rounder with a handy amount of space, nicely finished, and capable of putting a smile on your face when you're in the mood then a BMW 3 Series is a brilliant place to start. Adding the hybrid technology only makes that better, as well as cheaper to run.

It's a no brainer really so you may as well pick up the phone and give us a call.

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