BMW 330i vs 330e

Today we explore the differences between BMW 330i and 330e in different aspects. The 330e drives like a regular 3 Series, with the electric motor and four-cylinder engine working seamlessly. The only hint that it’s a hybrid is a faint simulated exhaust noise in Sport mode.With both the 330i and 330e versions of this sedan, BMW delivers on its promise of superb performance

Here are the differences between BMW 330i and 330e with the most important features:

Engine

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 330i offers plenty of oomph for everyday driving while earning excellent fuel economy numbers. The 330e improves on this by offering additional electric range.

Although there is no significant difference in the engine for BMW 330i vs 330e, we can talk about some details for the enthusiasts. Both trims use the same eight-speed automatic transmission and drive the rear wheels. We found acceleration to be brisk, with minimal turbo lag and lightning-fast gearshifts. The 330e adds an EXtra Boost mode that uses both the engine and motor to temporarily deliver even more power. In our testing, it was enough to propel the car from 0 to 100km/h in about five seconds.

While the 330e is more expensive than its petrol-powered counterpart, it also offers better fuel economy numbers and an extra 23 kilometers of pure electric driving range. We think it’s well worth the extra cost.

Both the 330i and the 330e have standard driver-assistance features like automated emergency braking and forward collision warning. The 330e also includes a parking assist feature that can automatically steer the car into a spot. A rearview camera is standard as well. The 2023 model hasn’t been crash-tested yet, but the outgoing 2022 version earned top marks in IIHS and NHTSA tests. The 330e is available with more advanced features like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering.

Transmission

The 330i is powered by a smooth and potent 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that makes 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet and feels like it has even more power than that. It’s mated to an 8-speed torque converter automatic that provides seamless shifts and helps the sedan achieve 28 MPG combined gas mileage, which is significantly better than what you can get in competing luxury sedans.

For drivers who want to improve efficiency further, the 330e plug-in hybrid adds an electric motor and battery pack that boost performance and reduce fuel consumption. Its 0-60 time is about the same as that of the non-hybrid 330i, and the electric driving mode provides an exhilarating, almost silent ride at low speeds. Although there is no dramatic difference in transmission, it can be considered differences between BMW 330i and 330e.

The 330e also includes standard features that help make it an attractive choice among luxury sedans, such as one-touch up/down windows, a 14.9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. You can also opt for a rear-view camera, gesture control, and an Adaptive M suspension, and several wheel options are available. Driver-assistance tech is also available for the 330e, including lane-departure warning, active blind-spot detection, and a rear cross-traffic alert. The system can also automatically execute evasive maneuvers in emergency situations.

EPA Fuel Economy

Fuel economy for BMW 330i vs 330e is definitely an issue that needs to be mentioned. The 330e’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain boosts the EPA mileage numbers to 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. But that battery pack has to go somewhere, and it cuts into the space where the fuel tank normally goes in a 3 Series. As a result, the 330e has a smaller fuel tank and less overall driving range than the 330i.

The regular BMW 3 Series is known for its snazzy looks and premium interior design, which features a 14.9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard equipment includes one-touch up/down power windows, a 40/20/40 split rear seat with pass-through and ambient lighting.

BMW drivers are a bunch of whiz kids when it comes to calculating 0-60 times and braking distances, but they can’t seem to get their heads around fuel economy numbers. That may change when gas prices soar and governments declare that we need to switch over to electric vehicles like the 330e.

If you buy a 330e, you’ll find that the transition from gasoline to electric power is smooth and seamless, with minimal engine noise in the cabin. The car is outstanding to drive, with agile handling and superb ride comfort. We’ve even found the brake pedal feels a bit better than you might expect from a hybrid, and acceleration in Sport mode is swift with the motor and engine combining their mumbo to move you down the road.

Safety

For BMW 330i vs 330e, the safety issue has improved in both models. BMW’s suite of driver aids is standard on the 330i, including blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert and a rearview camera. BMW also offers an optional package that adds a heads-up display, traffic-adaptive cruise control and parking assist with automatic front and rear braking.

The 330e adds a full-range of electric driving modes, including an all-electric mode that’s great for zipping around town. In full-electric mode, the 330e emits a sound that lets pedestrians know you’re there, which is a nice touch in car parks. This mode, along with the standard battery-charging feature that lets you recharge at home or work, gives the 330e some extra appeal as an urban runabout.

Overall, the 330e feels just like the regular 3 Series to me, but with some unique details like a slightly different engine tune and the electric drive system. It’s also more expensive than a regular 330i, but the 330e provides the same superb performance and premium interior as its gas-powered sibling while offering added fuel efficiency and a potential federal tax credit.