With the 2023 facelift of the BMW 3 Series launched in Malaysia, it also brings in the latest version of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) BMW 330e M Sport. Locally assembled, the plug-in hybrid 330e M Sport fetches a price of RM298,800. The updated 2023 BMW 320i M Sport and 330i M Sport were also launched alongside the 330e M Sport here in Malaysia, and you can learn more about them here and here.
We’re not getting the M340i and 330Li variants at launch just yet, but BMW Malaysia confirmed that “two new variants” will be launched very soon within the next few months, so it’s likely that they were referring to those two – keep your eyes peeled!
Across the range of the new 3 Series, the front end gets slimmer headlights with daytime running lights in the shape of an inverted ‘L’. The grille and bumpers also get a redesign for a more aggressive look overall. Complementing the new look of the 3 Series is a set of 18-inch M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 848 M Bicolour with a staggered tyre setup.
Powering the PHEV BMW 330e M Sport is a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (184 hp/300 Nm) and an electric motor (109 hp/265 Nm). Combined, the PHEV drive system makes a system output of 292 hp and 420 Nm. The 330e has a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h.
Part of the PHEV drive system is a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery which is placed underneath the rear seat. On electric drive only, the car can be driven for up to 62 km (WLTP). The 330e can also reach an electric top speed of 140 km/h. Charging the 12-kWh battery from 0 to 80% with 3.7-kW AC charging takes 2 hours and 36 minutes to complete.
Besides the electrified drivetrain, the BMW 330e also gets Adaptive M Suspension instead of the M Sport Suspension found in the new 320i M Sport and 330i M Sport.
Inside, the entire 3 Series range gets a new curved display that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen head unit which provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. The dashboard has been slightly redesigned, and a larger and wider trim strip now sits in front of the front passenger.
Another new thing in the interior would be the omission of the good old electronic gear knob. The new gear selector is now smaller and flusher with the centre console while the rest of the centre console controls remain largely the same.
With the M Sport package offered on all three versions of the 3 Series, the interior gets M entry sills with a stainless-steel look, M driver’s footrest and M pedals with a stainless-steel look, sport seats for driver and front passenger, hand-stitched M leather steering wheel in Walknappa leather, vehicle key with exclusive M designation, M Anthracite headliner, instrument cluster with M specific display, and M Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite interior trim. The standard upholstery is Vernasca leather Black, but the BMW 330i M Sport and BMW 330e M Sport are offered an additional Mocha variant.
As for safety, the 330e M Sport is equipped with the BMW Driving Assistant. This includes features like Lane Departure Warning with active steering interventions, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Speed Limit Info and manual Speed Limit Assist. The 330e also comes equipped with BMW Parking Assistant features.
Included in the price of the 2023 BMW 330e M Sport is a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty with a free scheduled service programme, BMW roadside assistance and accident hotline, the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App with BMW Privileges cars, and BMW service online.
GALLERY
