Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Small

2021 BMW 330e Sedan
Vehicle Type: Small Hybrid
75
overall score
Category Ranking: 1
Vehicle Price
Base Price:
$44,550
Price as Tested:
$57,945
Fuel Information
Fuel Type: Electricity/midgrade
Fuel Capacity (gal): 10.6
120V Charge Time: 3 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 7.7 miles per hour
EPA City mpg: 25
EPA Highway mpg: 33
EPA Combined mpg: 28
EPA Combined MPGe: 75
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 23

with specific headlights
Advanced Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control [O]
- Advanced Headlights [O]
- Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
- Blind-Spot Warning [O]
- Driver Monitoring [S]
- Forward-Collision Warning [S]
- Lane-Departure Warning [S]
- Lane-Keeping Assistance [O]
- Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [O]
- Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [O]
- [S] Standard, [O] Optional
Overall Observations
The BMW 3 Series reintroduced its plug-in hybrid
variant in 2021, after a 2-year hiatus. The powertrain, which consists
of a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor
(288 hp total), provides quick acceleration and plenty of power.
Our test car’s responsive handling was improved by its optional
Adaptive M suspension.
The 330e’s fit and finish are excellent inside and out. Both front
and rear seating are very comfortable, although the cabin feels a bit
cramped, and rear visibility is poor. Adaptive LED headlights and
dual-zone climate control are standard, and the digital infotainment
system is easy to use. Our 330e had a 75 MPGe rating, but its allelectric
range is only 23 miles and recharging times are slow. Its fuel
economy is 28 mpg combined.
Annoyingly, BMW tends to charge extra for features that many
luxury automakers include as standard, such as a heated steering
wheel and front seats, lumbar support, and advanced safety
features. More than 20% of the price of our 330e test vehicle was
for optional equipment
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Strengths and Weaknesses
Strong Points
- Responsive, quickacceleration
- Excellent fit and finishinside and out
- Comfortable front andrear seats
Weak Points
- Slow observed EVcharging times
- Cramped passenger andcargo areas
- Poor rear visibility
Vehicle Specifications
Model year tested: 2021
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 4160.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 185.7 / 71.9 / 56.9
Wheelbase (in): 112.2
Number of air bags: 9
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Bridgestone Turanza
Front and rear tire size: 225/40 R19
Max towing capacity (lbs): Not recommended
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Hybrid drive
Drivetrain type: Rear wheel
Engine/motor: 2.0L 4-Cyl. turbo
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 181 @ 6500
Electric motor horsepower: 107
Combined system horsepower: 288
Test Data
Test Vehicle Scores
Advanced Safety Features:
8.20Fuel Efficiency:
6.92EPA Emissions Score:
7.00Acceleration:
7.14Braking:
7.74Handling:
8.20Ride Quality:
7.89Interior Size:
3.58Easy of Entry and Exit:
6.38Visibility:
7.79Interior Noise:
4.11Cargo Capacity:
.31
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