Subtly Sci-Fi
Like it or not, electric vehicles are not only here to stay, but increasingly replacing internal combustion. We’re not suggesting the end of the traditional engine any time soon, but with auto makers and politicians promising to increase electrification efforts in the near future, we could reach a point where ICE options are outnumbered by their new counterparts. It’s not all doom and gloom however. With range toppers like the Koenigsegg Gemera, McLaren P1, Acura NSX, Porsche Panamera and Tesla Model 3 utilizing ‘greener’ tech, it’s certainly not the end of exciting driving. While it’s hard to come close to the feeling of a powerful engine with a well-tuned vehicle, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy or embrace a largely inevitable future – and that’s where cars like BMW’s 330e come in.
There are some electric and hybrid vehicles that are more than happy to go along with the idea that they need to look as sci-fi as possible – using design cues that might better suit a galaxy far, far away. Here in the Milky Way, it’s not always embraced so easily. Of course, there are hundreds of thousands of exceptions. The Toyota Prius is a hybrid icon, after all. But some drivers prefer something a little more traditional. BMW’s 330e is an example of just that. It looks exactly like a 3-series. It drives like a BMW. The dashboard is hardly different at all from nearly every BMW it shares market space with. The only giveaway can be seen on the badging, and the front fender flap concealing the car’s charging port.
The words ‘bargain’ and BMW don’t often go hand in hand. They are a luxury marque after all. But the 330e is actually a fair value for a hybrid. Starting at $44,950, it’s the cheapest 3-series in the lineup. Depending on where you buy it, it might also qualify for applicable government rebates, pushing the price down even further. However, the cost can start to climb quickly. Want All Wheel Drive? Prepare to shell out just over $9,000. The ‘Premium Excellence’ package, which adds some nice touches like a heated steering wheel, WiFi hotspot, Harman/Kardon speakers and more, will set you back $9,100. Our tester’s M Sport Package will set you back $3,395. Now the good part is, all of these optional extras are just that – optional. But shelling out for an entire options pack when there are only a few features you might want is a hard bullet to bite. Good luck finding an automaker who lets you tick off individual options anymore though.
Even in their basest forms, BMWs of all designations are judged by their driving dynamics. With the amount of M logos on this car, it has quite the reputation to live up to. The letter M is quite revered after all. On paper, the 330e is adequate but not mindblowing by any means. Topping out at just over 250 horsepower, it’ll get you going, but won’t necessarily excite. Or will it? The 330 comes with a nifty feature called Xtraboost that, as its name implies, gives a boost of power when you need it most. Need a quick start? Maybe a burst of acceleration to overtake? Mash the pedal and the car feeds you an additional 40 horsepower, getting you closer to 300. It still doesn’t sound like much, but you really do feel that extra kick. Granted, it won’t push you into the back of your seat like an M car would, but it’s like buying a 10 pack of chicken nuggets and finding an 11th. Pleasant, unexpected, and certainly not unwelcome.
Compared to other more hardcore offerings from the brand, the 330e is certainly softer when it comes to spirited driving and handling – as it should be. This is a daily commuter after all. What some enthusiasts may see as a shortcoming is actually a positive though. In the world of hybrid commuters, the 330e is one of the sportier and exciting offerings. It can hold its own on the highway and in corners. Switch to all-electric driving and it’s remarkably comfortable and quiet. But do bear in mind, the electric range isn’t as high as one might hope. Under the most ideal conditions, expect around 60km. But everyday life is rarely ideal. Realistically, think closer to 30km. What’s more – the battery pack that provides this range also cuts into your trunk space. You can definitely still fit some suitcases in there though. And if you need more space – the rear seats can fold. Where it works best is as a hybrid, especially with the aforementioned Xtraboost in play.
From the driver’s seat, the BMW is very straightforward and user friendly. The refinement to BMW’s iDrive system over the years shines through. It’s very simple to learn the interface and find your way around. Refreshingly, the wireless charging pad in the vehicle finally fits my larger sized phone. And perhaps more excitingly, I was able to use Android Auto wirelessly. There are several great little touches here that make living with the car very comfortable. The vehicle can turn on its headlights and unlock when it detects the driver approaching. The voice command function is accurate and easy to use. The trunk can open with a wave of your foot. But most importantly – it still feels like a car. There’s nothing jarring or out of place here.
Unless there are significant new developments in hydrogen technology, it feels incredibly likely that our future will be largely driven by hybrid and electric power. But the future need not be a scary place. Getting to that point can still be a comfortable, familiar place that is more exciting than you might think - and sometimes a little pricier than expected. Don’t be surprised if you start seeing M-cars with features like Xtraboost sometime soon. We are a long way away from the fantasy of a living room on wheels, so until we get there, enjoy the drive. You certainly can in this car.
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