Alongside the range-topping BMW M340i xDrive, BMW Malaysia today also introduced the highly-awaited 330e M Sport plug-in hybrid variant of the G20 generation 3 Series here on our shores. Replacing the ever-popular F30 330e M Sport, the new locally-assembled PHEV 3 Series is at RM264,613, on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions until the end of 2020.
This puts the BMW 330e M Sport right smack in the middle between the 330i M Sport and 320i Sport variants in terms of pricing. However, it is kitted out almost identical to the petrol-powered 330i M Sport, which means you’re getting nearly the same car but with a discount of nearly RM22,000, thanks to its electrified powertrain.
PERFORMANCE
The BMW 330e M Sport is powered by a detuned B48 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine – with the same output as the 320i – paired to a electric motor.
- Engine: B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol (184 hp, 300 Nm)
- Electric motor: 50 kW (68 hp)
- Transmission: eight-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front engine, rear-wheel drive
- Suspension: Adaptive M suspension
- Total system horsepower: 252 hp (292 peak with XtraBoost)
- Total system torque: 420 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 5.9 seconds
- Top speed: 230 km/h
New to the PHEV BMW 3 Series is an XtraBoost feature which provides a temporary boost of 40 hp during acceleration, resulting in a peak horsepower output of 292 hp. The feature can be enabled in the Sport drive mode, under kickdown, and in the gearbox’s sport and manual modes.
Compared to the outgoing PHEV 3-er, the new BMW 330e M Sport is 0.2 seconds faster to 100 km/h, while the top speed has also been increased by 5 km/h. Fuel consumption figure is rated at 2.2 l/100 km – though as usual on a PHEV vehicle, the real world figure will be higher depending on your battery charge levels.
Electric power is provided from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which now provides nearly double the full-electric range at 56 km. The 330e M Sport can also now travel up to 140 km/h in pure electric drive mode, which is 20 km/h higher than the previous outgoing model.
Topping off the battery to full from 0% in the BMW 330e M Sport takes approximately six hours (4.3 hours to 80%) with a standard Malaysia 240-volt domestic AC power outlet, or 3.6 hours (2.6 hours to 80%) using an AC wallbox or public charger with a maximum charging capacity of 3.7 kW.
Unique to the new BMW 330e M Sport is an adaptive M Suspension set-up, which should help soften the firm and crashy ride of the 330i (which only has passive M Suspension). Aside from that, other M Sport parts are identical to the petrol-powered variant, including the M Sport brakes with blue callipers at the front.
EXTERIOR
Just like the range-topping 330i M Sport, the new PHEV variant is also dressed in the same M Sport exterior package, with nearly identical features to its elder sibling. These include:
- adaptive LED headlights
- 18-inch double-spoke Style 790 M two-tone alloy wheels – mixed tyre sizes
- BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line
- Twin high-gloss chrome tailpipe finishers
- M Aerodynamics package
- Exterior colour options: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Portimao Blue, Mineral Grey, and Sunset Orange
INTERIOR
The interior kit of the new 330e M Sport is also identical to the 330i, which includes as standard the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system with BMW Operating System 7, featuring a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster – the former supporting Apple CarPlay but still requiring a subscription for the service.
Other interior highlights include:
- tri-zone automatic climate control,
- 10-speaker, 205-watt sound system
- Aluminium Tetragon interior trim finishers with Pearl Chrome highlights
- Leather Vernasca upholstery – in Black or Cognac
- M leather steering wheel
- M-specific pedals
- Sport seats for the driver and front passenger
- hands-free opening boot lid
SAFETY
As for safety, the BMW 330e M Sport comes as standard with six airbags, reverse camera, and the Dynamic Stability Control suite, which includes traction, cornering brake, and dynamic brake controls, along with Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist.
Just like the rest of the 3 Series model line-up in Malaysia, the 330e M Sport also gets Driving Assistant advanced driver assistance package, which includes the following functions:
- front collision warning with brake intervention
- lane departure warning
- lane change warning
- rear crossing traffic warning
- rear collision prevention
- Parking Assistant with Reversing Assist system
PRICING
As mentioned above, the BMW 330e M Sport is priced at RM264,613 in Malaysia on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales tax exemptions. The price is valid until the end of December 2020, after which it will be reverted back to its original recommended retail price of RM268,800.
Included as standard with every purchase is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, and BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline. From now until the 31st of December 2020, BMW Malaysia is also offering customers an extended hybrid battery warranty for the 330e M Sport for up to 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first.
The new BMW 330e M Sport will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide starting 24th October 2020, or can be booked through the new BMW Online Shop service starting today at RM1,000. Following the sales tax exemptions period, for the full updated price list of BMW models in Malaysia, click here.
GALLERY
