The cars are due to arrive States-side in May with prices ranging from US$44,550 (RM195,000) for the rear-wheel-drive 330e to US$46,550 (RM205,000) for the rear-biased set-up of the all-wheel-drive xDrive variant.
The 330e and xDrive variants are powered by a 2.0-litre (1,998cc) turbocharged four-cylinder (B48B20O1) engine that produces 181hp from 3,800 to 6,500rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1,450 to 3,600rpm - all while drinking from a 40-litre fuel tank.
The engine is further supplemented by an electric motor - capable of 107hp and 104Nm of torque at 3,170rpm, that gets its electrical charge from a 34Ah lithium-ion battery located under the rear bench.
A new feature has been incorporated into these Bavarian sedans with the incorporation of XtraBoost - available in Sport mode, which allows for an additional 40hp of power increase for up to 10 seconds when flooring the throttle.
When the efforts of both powerplants are combined, total system output has been rated at 288hp and 420Nm of torque with power delivery managed by an eight-speed GA8P75HZ automatic gearbox.
This allows the 330e variants to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 5.8 seconds (5.9 seconds xDrive) and onwards to an electronically-limited top speed of 230kph (227kph 330e xDrive).
The transmission features a newly optimized hydraulic control system and shorter gearing for improved response and acceleration.
Additionally, with the involvement of connectivity, the transmission is able to adapt its shift strategy according to the route and driving situation by working with the standard navigation system that uses data from this system and from the optional Active Cruise Control system’s radar sensor.
This makes it possible for the transmission to avoid unnecessary gear changes when negotiating a series of fast corners and, when approaching a vehicle ahead, to shift down early in order to use the engine braking to help scrub off speed.
Standard wheel fitments are 18x7.5-inch V-spoke bi-colour wheels wrapped by 225/45 run-flat tyres that can be up-sized to larger 19x8.0-inch front and rear wheels with 225/40 series tyres for a square setup.
A staggered setup is also available with front 19x8.0 and rear 19x8.5-inch wheels wearing 225/40 and 255/35 series tyres respectively.
When in Hybrid driving mode, these sedans can travel at an emission-free top speed of 110kph - an increase of 31kph over its predecessor, while purely in Electric mode bumps that figure further up to 141kph (+20kph).
While in Electric mode, this Bavarian plugin hybrid will generate a specific BMW electrified sound from an exterior speaker when rolling about at speeds of 32kph and below.
While these sedans look identical, the 330e has undergone subtle changes particularly with an increase the front and rear track by significantly increased camber values for the front wheels that are combined with the added rigidity of the body structure and suspension mounts.
Additionally, it sports new shock absorber technology by utilising lift-related dampers as part of the car’s standard chassis that contribute to the unique balance of sporty driving and comfort levels.
In terms of standard equipment, both variants come equipped with Sport leather multi-function steering wheel, powered front sport seats, 40/20/40-split rear backrest, fine-wood trim with ash grey-brown high gloss accents, moonroof, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, automatic climate controls,
For convenience, there is the inclusion of dynamic cruise control (reduces speed in corners and can apply brakes downhill), reverse camera, navigation, Live Cockpit Professional with hands-free Bluetooth and USB audio connection, Apple CarPlay compatibility, ConnectedDrive Services and Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians,
Added safety features include lane departure warning, Fatigue and Focus alert, post-crash braking, Active Guard - pedestrian warning with braking, frontal collision warning, city collision mitigation with braking and speed limit information among others.
