2023 BMW 330e First Test: The Plug-In Hybrid i4 Alternative

BMW may be putting its marketing and engineering muscle behind all electric-powered models like its new i4, i5, i7, and iX, but it isn't forgetting those who might be apprehensive about the inevitable electric future, either. The updated-for-2023 BMW 330e is the perfect example of that. BMW's compact plug-in hybrid luxury sedan offers i4 levels of EV performance in a package that won't leave its owners tethered to today's often flaky public charging network.

The 2023 330e is a subtle rework of the G20 3 Series that debuted back in 2019. Outside, the changes are limited to some minor head and taillight graphic tweaks and a couple of subtle bumper revisions (thankfully BMW's new oversized grille stays far away). Inside, the updated car gets the automaker's new 14.3-inch curved infotainment display featuring the latest iDrive infotainment software, along with revised HVAC vents to fit the larger screen.

Under the hood, the 330e's powertrain remains unchanged from the previous model, a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 with a permanent magnet motor sandwiched between it and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Total system output for the rear-drive sedan is 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, seven ponies more and 15 lb-ft more than the i4 eDrive35, which shares its platform with the 3 Series.

A 12-kWh battery mounted in the floor of the trunk and an onboard A/C charger good for 3.7 kW backs up the 330e's system. The onboard charger can recharge the battery in about 3 hours when hooked up to a Level 2 charger, though many owners may be able to get away with simply plugging into a standard household outlet for an overnight charge. BMW says the 330e is capable of running 22 miles on electric power alone before the engine fires up, giving the car up to 310 miles of total range versus 260 miles for the standard i4.

Given how complex most plug-in hybrid systems can be—the engine, motor, and transmission all need to play nice with one another—we found the 330e's setup to be remarkably well-integrated overall. Off-the-line there's a slingshot-like feel due in part to the extra shove its 107 hp and 77 lb-ft electric motor provides, while the PHEV powertrain as a whole helps propel the BMW to a 0‒60 mph time of 5.0 seconds and a quarter mile of 13.6 seconds at 103.1 mph in our testing. We've yet to test an i4 eDrive35, but we suspect it will put down similar numbers. We have, however, tested the more powerful 335-hp i4 eDrive40, which zips to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and through the quarter at 13.2 seconds at 108.1 mph, just a touch quicker than the less-powerful 330e.

The motor also backfills the somewhat-laggy turbo-4, helping provide strong, linear-feeling acceleration, not unlike BMW's more powerful I-6s. Steering is light and engaging, while the ride, though firm due to the M Sport Package that was fitted to our Brooklyn Grey metallic sprayed test vehicle, helped make the 330e engaging to whip around twisty roads.

Our chief complaint with the BMW 330e is with its on-board 3.3 kW charger. Simply put, it's not quick enough to provide 330e owners with a meaningful mileage boost when opportunity charging while out and about. While not a problem unique to the 330e, plugging into a typical 7 kW public Level 2 charging station (the most common rating according to the Department of Transportation) during a quick 30-minute grocery run, for instance, would net at most 2 miles of range—low enough that many owners may not find plugging in worthwhile. Some competitors, such as Lexus with its NX PHEV SUV, could double that thanks to its onboard 6.6 kW charger.

We also found that the 330e's brake pedal feels a bit mushy at low speeds when the system blends regenerative and friction braking, though braking power is otherwise good.

The updated 330e remains a compelling plug-in hybrid alternative to BMW's growing lineup of all-electric offerings.