BMW 3 Series review: Great plug-in hybrid takes on BMW icon

The BMW 3 Series is one of the most important cars of the company. Almost one in eight of BMW’s total sales are of the 3 Series, and it is a car that is particularly important in the UK. Reflecting the trend toward electrification, it has been offered in plug-in hybrid form for some time, called the 330e.

This latest model – which petrolheads refer to by its codename, G20 – was introduced in 2018 and facelifted in 2024. This was a particularly notable update to the 330e, as it introduced a larger battery with even longer range – the plug-in hybrid 3 Series can now travel up to 63 miles in pure EV guise.

BMW has also updated the infotainment and made further developments in an area in which it is already an industry leader. It has also enhanced the driving dynamics, which has always stood out across all 3 Series. The class-leading car became even more attractive to drivers.

The BMW 330e is available as both a four-door saloon and a five-door estate, which BMW calls the 3 Series Touring. Like the saloon, the Touring has a smaller boot than the regular models in plug-in hybrid form, but being a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) there are some other compromises.

For those who aren’t ready to go fully electric, it’s a great option – with CO2 emissions as low as 19 g/km and a 9% benefit-in-kind rating – while still offering tax benefits for company car drivers.

How do we test

I have driven the latest BMW 3 Series several times. I was most surprised when I drove it for a day in Wiltshire, where the car I drove immediately felt a real cut. The quality and depth of engineering at BMW was evident, and it drove like a dream too.

Independent Rating: 9/10

BMW 3 Series Specs

Battery, range, charging, performance and drive

The latest BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid has a whopping 19.5kWh battery. This gives it an EV range of up to 63 miles, which is now competitive with its new Audi A5 TFSI e rival. The Mercedes-Benz C300e also has an EV range of more than 60 miles. However, while BMW has improved the onboard AC charger to a three-stage unit capable of taking 11 kilowatts – giving a full charge time of at least two hours and 15 minutes – there is no DC rapid charge capability.

In terms of performance, a powerful 109hp electric motor is combined with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine to deliver a generous system output of 292hp. It produces 0-62 mph acceleration in just 5.9 seconds, and is delivered through a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox. Whenever you want to take manual control of a gear, steering wheel paddles are standard on the BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid.

The system works flawlessly, switching smoothly between electric and petrol drive. The engine is reasonably refined even when revved hard and the BMW has enough oomph to never feel underpowered. A top speed of over 140 mph shows its ultimate potential even on the German Autobahn.

In terms of driver pleasing, the BMW 3 Series is the leader in its class. Handling is superb with sharp dynamics and excellent steering feel. The help of the classic rear-wheel-drive layout doesn’t end there. Its ride is long, especially in M ​​Sport grade, but it’s rarely uncomfortable, and the well-tuned suspension helps enhance the feeling of control. If you want even more comfort and refinement, the clever adaptive suspension is available as an optional extra.

Interior, practicality and boot space

The driving position of the BMW 3 Series is feel-good. The pedals are slightly offset to the right, but since the 330e is an auto, this isn’t a big problem. The Sport model has an upgraded two-spoke steering wheel and the M Sport has three-spoke rims. The M Sport also brings more supportive seats, and if you pay extra BMW will let you choose from a range of upholstery. It’s a shame lumbar support isn’t standard (it costs £225), and even a heated steering wheel is a £250 option.

The front seats are roomy and rear seat space is good too – gone are the days when the 3 Series was extra cramped for those in the rear. Folding rear seat backs (and folding rear headrests) are standard and this will add to the standard 375-litre boot. With the seats up, it’s smaller than the 480 liters you get in the regular BMW 3 Series, as hybrid batteries take up space, but the size is still practical. It’s a pity that the electric boot lid is, you guessed it, an optional extra.

The BMW 3 Series Touring is available for those who need more practicality, but the boot remains smaller than non-plug-in-hybrid options. At least the electric tailgate is standard here…

Technology, Stereo and Infotainment

All BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrids feature the company’s so-called Curved Display. It has two screens placed under a single piece of glass, giving a seamless and sophisticated look. BMW has now embraced touchscreen technology, but the center console still has the familiar iDrive physical controller, giving the best of both worlds.

BMW has worked hard to make its menu structures ‘flat’, which means less fuss and cycling through submenus. The so-called Quick Select technology is flexible and the use of widgets helps to further simplify things. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and a head-up display and augmented reality sat navigation are both optional.

However, it’s a shame that the physical climate controls have been lost with the latest update. Instead, they have been moved to a menu within the touchscreen.

Along with the regular stereo, customers can choose an optional ‘Hi-Fi loudspeaker’ system, with 10 speakers and 205-watt output, or a premium Harman Kardon setup with 17 speakers and 535 watts.

Tech lovers can also control the BMW 330e through the BMW smartphone app. This includes scheduling battery charging to take advantage of off-peak rates.

Prices and operating costs

The price of a BMW 3 Series is understandably premium, starting at more than £47,000, but compared to rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz it actually feels reasonable value. If they are able to charge regularly, the long-range, plug-in hybrid technology will also help drivers make huge savings in running costs – and, of course, company car drivers will also love the lucrative benefit-in-kind rates.

Extra-strong retained value helps keep monthly PCP and leasing costs under control, although the insurance from Group 34 is a reflection of the BMW’s premium status and sharp performance. Having said that, the Audi A5 e-Hybrid is potentially even more expensive, starting at Group 39. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Plug-in Hybrid has even more insurance groups – a difference that’s worth bearing in mind.

BMW 3 Series rivals

questions to ask

How long does it take to charge?

The BMW 3 Series features 11 kW AC charging, which will charge the battery from zero to 100 percent in two hours and 15 minutes.

How much does it cost – is it worth it?

The BMW 330e is a car with a premium price, but it has the depth of quality and drive to easily justify it. A generous battery range is the icing on the cake.

Does BMW replace batteries for free?

BMW’s plug-in hybrid battery warranty is a bit average. That’s only six years or 60,000 miles — most rivals offer eight years of coverage.

Why trust us?

Our team of motoring experts has decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are tailored with every type of driver in mind. We thoroughly test every car we recommend, so you can be sure our judgments are honest, fair and authentic.

Decision

The BMW 3 Series has been an icon for more than 50 years, and this plug-in hybrid version brilliantly embraces modern technology without spoiling many of the driver-pleasing powers that have made the 3 Series so famous over the years.