Flash Drive

2016 BMW 330e

July 23, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 BMW 330e Sedan

The 2016 BMW 330e looks like any other 3 Series BMW except for the small door in the left front fender.
The 2016 BMW 330e looks like any other 3 Series BMW except for the small door in the left front fender.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 turbocharged gas + electric motor, 250 horsepower 310 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 31 mpg gasoline only, 72 mpg electricity + gasoline

Base Price: $43,700

As Tested: $60,245

Performance:

Smooth hybrid functions

Sport, Sport+, Comfort, Eco Pro, and E Drive modes

Paddle shifters

Great performance plus energy efficiency

The small fender door is for the plug-in charging port, a feature not usually associated with a BMW sport sedan.
The small fender door is for the plug-in charging port, a feature not usually associated with a BMW sport sedan.

Two hour charge time on 240-volt charger

Dynamic brake control

Comfort:

High-grade interior materials and execution

Handsome wood trim

Super stretch-out legroom for driver and front passenger

Front legroom comes at expensive of rear passengers

Good rear legroom if fronts are up a ways

Ample rear headroom

Big, tall floor hump

Large dead pedal

Very thick, contoured, heated steering wheel

The interior is traditional BMW style, luxury, and high functionality.
The interior is traditional BMW style, luxury, and high functionality.

Handsome red stitching on wheel

Three temperature heated front seats

Heated outboard rear seats

Driver and front passenger power lumbar

Adjustable thigh support both front seats

Impressive Harman Kardon surround sound system

Wide rear armrest with covered cupholders

Utility:

Small, shallow console bin with device charger

Medium sunroof

Small sun visors

Medium size front door bins

Medium locking glovebox

Large dial on console controls infotainment and navigation

Even though the 330e is a hybrid, it's still highly functional with fold-down rear seats and a large pass-through to the trunk.
Even though the 330e is a hybrid, it’s still highly functional with fold-down rear seats and a large pass-through to the trunk.

Pull-up shades for rear side windows

Two flimsy seatback storage nets

Split, folding rear seat has slight slope

Large pass-through to trunk

Flat trunk floor

Cargo loops

Small storage under trunk floor

Hands-free power trunk opener

WOW Factors:

Great fuel economy

Classic BMW styling

Heads-up display

Hands-free power trunk opener

Excellent cargo capacity/flexibility

Whines:

Too tight rear seat

Rear wheelwell intrusion on rear doors

The 2016 BMW 330e is handsome and economical to operate.
The 2016 BMW 330e is handsome and economical to operate.

Over $15,000 in optional equipment

Bigger sun visors would be nice

Bottom Line:

The 2016 BMW 330e is a high-tech twist on the legendary BMW 3 Series sport sedan. A plug-in electric motor has been added for super low energy consumption. An extensive option list significantly boosts the out-the-door price, but prudent shoppers can keep costs in check while saving lots of gas.