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The BMW 330e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) builds on the already impressive 3 Series sedan. It has athletic handling, an energetic powertrain, and the ability to drive under electric power. But, the 330e’s 20 miles of electric-only driving range is on the short side among PHEVs. It also sacrifices some trunk space due to the hybrid battery.
Very few get into the nitty gritty of the pros and cons between single/dual motor hybrids, series, parallel and series-parallel. Not all hybrids are made equal.
PHEVs are the best of both worlds.
With 20 miles of electric range and slow charging, at a high price, it’s pretty marginal. Not surprising it’s discontinued for 2025.
I’d say hybrids are a great way to learn about electric cars, but they are still a compromise. You eliminate range anxiety, but at the cost of lower fuel economy on long trips, extra complexity and more potential points of failure.
Acquired the X5 50e last October, and I can echo the comment about needing to charge just about every time you use the car. 38-40 miles electric range is great for errands, but constant charging is necessary. Fortunately, it’s easy to charge, and a level 2 charger is highly recommended. After 2000 miles, I’ve just filled up the tank for the 2nd time yesterday (it was delivered with a full tank.)
The X5 50e has proven to be extremely comfortable and a joy to drive, with excellent torque and power owing to the B58 inline 6 engine. BMW does the electric/ice integration well, with some sophisticated software and a electric motor-transmission setup similar to the one mentioned in the review. However, it’s not particularly efficient in terms of miles/kilowatt, probably due to its weight. And there is no heat pump; heating is done through highly inefficient electrical resistance.
@@raleedyit’s the last gen PHEV system in the US, the 5 series PHEV probably provides a lot more range
Until something breaks down. I rather do pure ice or purce EV. Less components
…For a very small subset of the population.
I love my 2023 BMW 330e xDrive, but why is CR bothering to review an already outdated and discontinued car? BMW dropped the 330e from the lineup.
Thought the same thing – loved me 2021, before a deer totaled it
20 miles? Sheesh. My Volvo V60 Polestar is faster and can do 41 miles of electric driving.
Didn’t mention extremely short 299 mile gas range, which kills this car being a viable option. Why must they always take away from the gas tank size when making it PHEV?