The first was the X5 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which was launched in June.
The RM248,800 (on-the-road without insurance) 330e is equipped with a state-of-the-art electric motor which works synchronously with a BMW TwinPower Turbo engine.
Features typical of BMW eDrive are recognisable in the exterior and interior of the car. The special exterior features of the plug-in hybrid vehicle includes the charging socket panel positioned on the left front wing of the car. Blue light effects appear here at the start of the charging process to indicate the flow of energy.
Meanwhile, the already familiar “eDrive” badge from the BMW i models is attached to the vehicle’s flanks. A set of 18-inch V-spoke light alloy wheels with mixed sized tyres add sportiness to the package.
The 330e in Sport Line trim is fitted with a hybrid powertrain comprising a two-litre four-cylinder combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor built into an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. It is complemented by a rear-wheel drive system and eDrive technology.
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The four-cylinder petrol unit, which has won the International Engine of the Year Award three times, churns out 252hp with peak torque of 420Nm while combined fuel consumption is at 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions is at 49 grams per kilometre.
The electric motor meanwhile, delivers an output of 88hp and allows the car to travel at a top speed of 120kph in pure electric drive. The car completes the 0 to 100kph sprint in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 225kph.
The vehicle set-up and powertrain control can be configured as desired with the eDrive button and Driving Experience Control switch. The eDrive presents three driving modes – AUTO eDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE and SAVE BATTERY.
Aside from the eDrive button, the BMW 330e comes with a Driving Experience Control switch which allows users to configure the steering and chassis functions as well as the shift characteristics of the transmission. Controllable via the Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console, the modes offered are COMFORT, SPORT, AND ECO PRO.
The BMW 330e also offers Head-Up Display, Rear View Camera and electric Glass Roof as standard.
The car also gets the latest BMW ConnectedDrive which links the driver, vehicle, and the outside world. This includes the Navigation System Professional, Parking Assistant and BMW Online Office, Intelligent Emergency Call, Concierge Services, BMW Teleservices and MyBMW Remote App.
The high-voltage battery of the 330e offers a gross energy capacity of 7.6 kWh and can be topped up with energy from any domestic power socket. Full charge by the conventional domestic power socket would take 5 hours. The BMW Wallbox Pro, meanwhile offers a quicker charge time of 3.5 hours.
As part of BMW 360° ELECTRIC, customers are offered the ChargeNow service, which consists of a ChargeNow card that grants straightforward access to partner charging stations like ChargEV which is offered through BMW Group Malaysia’s partnership with Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia). ChargEV stations are operational in 19 locations throughout Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kedah, Malacca, and Johor.
BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Han Sang Yun said the 330e is the 12th model to join the portfolio of locally-assembled vehicles at BMW Group Malaysia’s assembly plant at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park.
The 330e is available in Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, Mediterranean Blue and Alpine White with Leather Dakota Black upholstery.
As the name suggests, the annual BMW Innovation Days offers the public a look at the latest advancements of BMW innovations including present and future BMW technologies and a showcase of visionary vehicles. The 330e launch today is part and parcel of this campaign.
BMW Innovation Days is held from Aug 26-28 at Desa ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur. Opening hours are 9am to 7.30pm. For details, head to this site.
