By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / photos BMW US Press Information
The all-new BMW 330e iPerformance adds another highly innovative variant to the BMW 3 Series line-up with its advanced plug-in hybrid drive system. For the first time, cutting-edge BMW i technologies have been integrated into the world’s most successful premium model.
BMW iPerformance
The combustion engine fitted in the BMW 330e iPerformance is based on the four-cylinder gasoline unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Stand-out characteristics include its sporty power delivery, output of 180 hp and peak torque of 215 lb-ft.
The electric motor, developing 87 hp with maximum peak torque of 184 lb-ft, and the power electronics are derived directly from the BMW eDrive technology featured as standard in the BMW i3 and BMW i8 models. The motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 7.6 kWh/5.7 kWh. The model-specific concept of the high-voltage battery, including its battery management system and highly efficient direct cooling system derive from BMW i. The battery can be recharged at any domestic power socket and is mounted flat in a particularly crash-safe position underneath the load compartment. The power electronics form a single integrated system that drives the electric motor via a liquid-cooled inverter, manages the energy flow from the high-voltage battery to the on-board electrical systems and provides centralized control of hybrid-specific functions.
The BMW 330e iPerformance consequently offers a system output of 248 hp and peak torque of 310 lb-ft, allowing a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 140 mph. Pure-electric driving is possible at speeds of up to 75 mph and with a range of around 14 miles. The electric boost function is permanently enabled. The electric motor supplements the power from the combustion engine with 74 lb-ft of torque and can deliver a brief extra boost depending on the position of the accelerator of up to 184 lb-ft.
BMW Efficiency and Dynamics
The Driving Dynamics Control switch on the center console allows the remaining settings to be adapted, the ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT and available SPORT+ modes are all activated using this switch. Just like steering and chassis functions and the shift characteristics of the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, these modes also make changes to the operating strategy of the hybrid drive system. In COMFORT mode, which prioritizes a fine balance of comfort and efficiency, as well as hallmark BMW dynamics, the use of the electric motor is regulated in such a way that it helps to ensure both relaxed and economical driving. If required, the electric motor teams up with the combustion engine to maximize power delivery. Top end performance using the full system output of the combustion engine and electric motor combined is the focus of SPORT and SPORT+ modes. In these settings, the engine and motor are both permanently active. This allows the drive system to react instantaneously to every movement of the accelerator. In ECO PRO mode, the efficiency potential of electrification is utilized particularly extensively. Intelligent hybrid functionality allows the electric motor and combustion engine to work together with the greatest possible overall efficiency. The extremely efficient energy management for the drive systems involves carefully regulating the power output of electrically operated convenience functions such as the climate control system, seat heating and exterior mirror heating. This also helps to maximize the car’s range.
BMW 360° ELECTRIC solutions and home charging
As a plug-in hybrid, the BMW 330e iPerformance can also be charged externally via the main power supply. The empty lithium-ion high-voltage battery can be fully replenished in just two hours and 30 minutes using a BMW i Wallbox Level II 240V charger. Alternatively, the BMW 330e iPerformance can also be charged from empty in 6-7 hours from a conventional domestic power socket using the standard charging cable supplied. The charging solutions available from BMW 360° ELECTRIC allow for easy charging while being on the road.
The car is hooked up to the power supply via the charging socket, which is located in the front wing on the driver’s side, between the front wheel arch and the A-pillar. A flap with an integral sealing system protects it against ingress from moisture and dust. The charging socket itself has a corona ring, which uses a color scheme to inform the user which stage of charging has been reached. If the corona ring flashes blue, the BMW 330e iPerformance is in charging mode. It then changes to a solid green light once the charging process has been completed. A solid blue ring indicates a pause in charging, and a flashing yellow ring tells you a system check is taking place. A flashing red corona ring indicates that the charging system is not active.
BMW ConnectedDrive
BMW ConnectedDrive links the driver and the vehicle with the environment. The technology enables access to the most important vehicle information. The driver can call up data such as the battery charge, available ChargeNow public charging stations and journey distances covered on the display or pre-set a temperature for the passenger compartment. The BMW 330e iPerformance comes as standard with auxiliary heating and cooling. These functions can be activated by a push of a button on the car key, via the BMW ConnectedDrive smartphone app or using a two-week timer on the iDrive operating system. Running the heating or cooling functions while the car is charging does not restrict its electric range.
Plug-in hybrid
In plug-in hybrid vehicles, intelligent energy management ensures the combustion engine and electric motor work together to maximum effect in all driving situations. Their operating strategy is based on the vehicle starting up on electric power only. BMW’s plug-in hybrid vehicles prioritize electric mode at low and moderate speeds. Under greater acceleration and at higher speeds, the combustion engine is utilized. The boost function pulls the torque of both drive systems to maximize the car’s dynamic performance. BMW eDrive ensures that the combustion engine runs efficiently at higher speeds. When the route guidance function of the car’s navigation system is activated, the proactive function initiates an anticipatory operating strategy which optimizes efficiency and maximizes the electric driving experience.
Summary
The high-voltage batteries of the new BMW plug-in hybrid models can be charged extremely easily, conveniently and quickly, both at home and while on the move using BMW 360° ELECTRIC solutions. The battery can be powered up again from a domestic socket using the standard charging cable supplied or from a BMW i Wallbox.
The BMW 3 Series Sedan has already set standards for sports performance and fuel economy in its segment using conventional combustion engines. Key ingredients are its intelligent lightweight design, outstanding aerodynamics for its class and the extensive use of BMW EfficientDynamics technology fitted as standard. The all new BMW 330e iPerformance will have a starting price $44,695.00 including Destination and Handling.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
