I have owned a BMW 330e since June 2020 and I love it. I get an electric range of around 32-36 miles. In August with a combination of electric and fuel I averaged 146mpg. When my battery is depleted I get around 48mpg so I'm not sure where get 28mpg from.
great car, great video. we used to produce lots and lots of previous 3 series and exclusive 3 series until F30. Now BMW South Africa is task to produce solely X3 since the world is obsessed with these high riding cars.
I managed 4.5L/100km average on my f30 330i from gold coast to sunshine coast last weekend (100-110 km/h on cruise control ecopro mode with no luggage or passengers). Could the 330e beat that? If so, probably not by much or might potentially lose out carrying deadweight of the battery. Plus considering battery degradation, concerns of resale value I would be reluctant to go for a 330e. Shame really. The 330e is what the planet needs and what I prefer, but in the absence of govt incentives, I remain bound by my own narrow economic self preservation.
Few points on your post. Regarding depreciation, the 330i loses a massive chunk of its value over time. I'm seeing 10 year old 330i's online for 15% of their original price, with only 110k miles. Of course, you could do like most BMW drivers and lease. Degradation is a factor of battery chemistry, buffers, charge and discharge rates, and the battery and temperature management systems. I can't speak for the chemistry that every OEM uses, but PHEVs should be highly buffered to protect the cells, should have ample cooling as a result of needing high discharge rates to move the entire weight of the vehicle, and should be using a high cycle life chemistry. Chevy Volt batteries for example will supposedly last 150,000 - 200,000+ miles even though they only have a capacity of 18 kWh. That doesn't even include miles driven that are powered by the engine instead of the battery, so the car itself could last 300k+ miles. At least one driver hit something like 440k miles. Over 150k miles in battery only mode, and the battery only died because he got in an accident. OEMs really should be more transparent about what their battery's lifecycle specs are and what real replacement costs are. Warranties are usually pretty good at 8 years, 100k+ miles. Although, if the BMW's smaller 12 kWh battery goes bad and can be replaced in 10+ years for $2k-$3k... then that would be well worth it. If it's $5k-$8k... then it isn't such a great deal, depending on how you look at it. All that said, assuming you're charging every night and drive approximately the range that the battery offers, the amount you're saving in fuel can be enormous over 10 years. You're talking about 33%-50% savings over gas. Not to mention you likely need less regular maintenance, like fewer oil changes and engine air filters, far fewer brake pad changes (not to mention less brake dust to clean), and probably less engine issues overall since you're not using it as often.
Yes, but that is not the targeted use-scenario for hybrids. They make sense if having a lot of short-distance urban drives, and probably have more sense in Europe which tends to have shorter commutes (90% of mine for most of my life have been under 4km).
Recently bought a 330e msport and I absolutely am shocked by the fuel efficiency. Have done about 1800km and still only used about 1 and 3/4 tanks of fuel. I charge it overnight at home using the charge in time slot option so it’s always charging on off peak which is about $1.20 for a complete 0-100% charge.
Nice review on the car with plenty of details. I just booked mine here in Malaysia as we get good incentives for EV/PHEV cars. But my decision was not solely based on that, I did test drive the Volvo XC40 hybrid and it was a let down, too much power thrown at you from the get go and you really need to tame it down. I didn't like the ride quality either. But in the BMW iX3,and 330e..it was a really different story. It was more of a matured car, so much comfort and gives power when you want it.
In the US, state and federal tax credits make the 330e xDrive effectively cost a few thousand dollars more than a completely loaded Honda Accord or Toyota Camry Hybrid. I own a Honda Accord V6 now. The Accord V6 can run on 3 cylinders when you are light on the pedal yielding as high as 40 MPG on the highway. While at the same time, it really moves when you need it to. There is no real direct replacement for this other than the 330e, so I just ordered one. I didn’t drive the G20 yet, but I did have 2 days in a 2018 330e overseas and I was so surprised at how much I liked it. I had lots of fun driving it while getting 35 MPG having been given the car with 0% charge on the battery.
No Australian subsidies or incentives as our right wing government struggles with EV as petrol excise is a great money earner plus we cover around 15k km per annum as outside of our large urban centres we drive long distances- we are also stuck on Euro 5 emissions with no future targets to reduce this - hence uptake is less than 1% of new car market
I understand the comments regarding the compromises. For example ‘just get an EV, or just get a petrol/gas car’. Here’s why this car is compelling to me. I live in New England. 80-90% of my driving is the suburbs or country lanes with 10-20% longer trips up into Maine or New Hampshire. My commute is 10-15 minutes on the highway and then 30 minutes in town in stop start traffic. The electric capabilities on my commute would mean that, other than a short highway stint, the car would be 80% electric. My longer trips on the weekend are currently too long for a full EV without searching for charging stations when I’m up there. They’d typically be 300-400 miles. In this car, the regular ICE keeps me going (even with the relatively limited 290 mile range). Sure, I’d have to fill up, but that’s much easier and quicker. So if, like me and many others, you have a blended driving profile, then this car is much more compelling than it might, at first, seem.
Excellent review, last year I did the test drive between the 330i and a 330e I decided on the 330i. There was not enough savings for me to justify the 330e. The battery capacity with km range is too small and the down tuning of the engine was a few of my decisions against the 330e. My 330i gives me 6.2L/Km on the highway and 6.6 in the city. I am very happy and the car drives beautifully.
You’re saying the car costs more so its not worth financially vs the 330i. Why are you not considering that the price will be higher when you sell the car and replace it for a new one? Doesn’t really make sense to me. Seems unfortunately a bit misleading :/
BMW specs are so regional. In Canada the 330e starts at $45k (CAD), where as the 330i starts at $4,300 more. The e allows you to buy the RWD version, the i only comes in AWD, which is why I ordered the cheaper 330e. I would not use the BMW in the winters - already have a 4x4 for that. Thanks for the review though, I understand why people would buy the petrol version if it's that more expensive.
Interesting review, just wondering can you save the electric power for later in your journey? We live in the Southern Highlands and quite often travel to Mosman to visit family, these drives are done in non peak times and we have no traffic lights till Neutral Bay. Ideally in car like this I would run on Petrol on the freeway and then change over to electric power for the suburban driving
I believe if you enter your destination, the navigation system will optimise, using the electric energy for the part of journey with stop / start traffic
While this is a super niche vehicle, I don't think that it should have come in estate form as I don't think this appeals to the enthusiast base any more than the standard 330i does. The performance isn't there -- it's a practical car.
Station wagons are rare but agree with the assessment about making more sense for the enthusiast. For the users that want lower power and more eco friendly, I don't think this is it.
@@simoncouch1523 3 series feels younger and more sportier. C class feels like it was created for the older generations or for businesses as fleet cars. It drives well, but there's no desire to push it, because it doesn't goad you on. I've owned my 330i for most of a year now, and I am yet to find another car that provides the same package for me.
The first 100kms are pretty nice to drive, but if the charge is gone, you have a pretty heavy petrol car. If you add the petrol & power usage together, you clearly see how expensive it is to drive. 5-7litres petrol + 6-10kW/h per 100km is not really efficient. Trunk is a Joke, Hybrid has a much higher and softer suspension due to the batterypack, power output is very inconsitent depends on the battery state, engine sound is awful especially with the active sound ON and for that all, they're pretty expensive. Would get a real EV instead of this artificial try. More efficiency, way better acceleration and lots of silence ☝️
In Malaysia the 330e is far cheaper than the 330i by 15%, we also don't have a diesel version. The silence of an electric motor, together with 2-3 days of driving(50-60km) of urban driving is perfect for me. Longer journeys the petrol engine comes in to get rid of my range anxiety, as it feels as if Malaysia will take decades to set up is supercharger network. Oil price coming up. USD 70-90 on the horizon. All in all, if you think about the 3-5 year outlook, buying the 330e might be an excellent practical choice in the years ahead.
This car smells of a manufacturer trying to accommodate some greenwashed standard at the expense of the consumer. Yes, I want to save the planet but these make very little sense to the end consumer. Paying that much MORE than the 330i to save a few pennies on fuel? If you can afford the 330i OR 330e then you can afford the rather insignificant fuel saving differences (if any). $7K is a LOT of petrol divided by a few cents per liter. For an expensive (beautiful) luxury car? WITH the deal breaking loss of luggage space, additional weight and no spare? I dunno? Makes no sense at all to me? Happy to be corrected if someone can explain? The planet needs SMALL - CHEAP electrics for commuting. Seating for 5+, large boot for the shopping and school bags. Small battery to cover a couple of days of commuting and easy to charge overnight. Something for the masses, not this Beemer offering? /lecture :-). Great review and presenting the information unbiased. Love this channel.
There’s something to be said for the serene manner an electric motor silently wafts you along with all of that instant torque on tap, without the concerns range anxiety / where do I plug it in.
@@speedymini998 Thanks. That makes sense. I guess the attraction is the electric itself - 'no matter what the cost'. They have sold a few so there must be a reason to buy. Sure a darn nice vehicle.
Nice until I looked up the DAP. Cost 'just a tad more' than I was expecting... 123 kW/t isn't gutless but would expect something in the 170's for that repayment level.
I have owned a BMW 330e since June 2020 and I love it. I get an electric range of around 32-36 miles. In August with a combination of electric and fuel I averaged 146mpg. When my battery is depleted I get around 48mpg so I'm not sure where get 28mpg from.
Hey, mate, are you living in the UK or the US?
He’s in the USA and likes to criticise this channel.
How long does the battery last on hybrid mode? How long will the car give you 148 mpg for?
great car, great video. we used to produce lots and lots of previous 3 series and exclusive 3 series until F30. Now BMW South Africa is task to produce solely X3 since the world is obsessed with these high riding cars.
I managed 4.5L/100km average on my f30 330i from gold coast to sunshine coast last weekend (100-110 km/h on cruise control ecopro mode with no luggage or passengers). Could the 330e beat that? If so, probably not by much or might potentially lose out carrying deadweight of the battery. Plus considering battery degradation, concerns of resale value I would be reluctant to go for a 330e. Shame really. The 330e is what the planet needs and what I prefer, but in the absence of govt incentives, I remain bound by my own narrow economic self preservation.
^ Well said. Exactly the issue with these hybrids.
Few points on your post. Regarding depreciation, the 330i loses a massive chunk of its value over time. I'm seeing 10 year old 330i's online for 15% of their original price, with only 110k miles. Of course, you could do like most BMW drivers and lease.
Degradation is a factor of battery chemistry, buffers, charge and discharge rates, and the battery and temperature management systems. I can't speak for the chemistry that every OEM uses, but PHEVs should be highly buffered to protect the cells, should have ample cooling as a result of needing high discharge rates to move the entire weight of the vehicle, and should be using a high cycle life chemistry. Chevy Volt batteries for example will supposedly last 150,000 - 200,000+ miles even though they only have a capacity of 18 kWh. That doesn't even include miles driven that are powered by the engine instead of the battery, so the car itself could last 300k+ miles. At least one driver hit something like 440k miles. Over 150k miles in battery only mode, and the battery only died because he got in an accident.
OEMs really should be more transparent about what their battery's lifecycle specs are and what real replacement costs are. Warranties are usually pretty good at 8 years, 100k+ miles. Although, if the BMW's smaller 12 kWh battery goes bad and can be replaced in 10+ years for $2k-$3k... then that would be well worth it. If it's $5k-$8k... then it isn't such a great deal, depending on how you look at it.
All that said, assuming you're charging every night and drive approximately the range that the battery offers, the amount you're saving in fuel can be enormous over 10 years. You're talking about 33%-50% savings over gas. Not to mention you likely need less regular maintenance, like fewer oil changes and engine air filters, far fewer brake pad changes (not to mention less brake dust to clean), and probably less engine issues overall since you're not using it as often.
Yes, but that is not the targeted use-scenario for hybrids. They make sense if having a lot of short-distance urban drives, and probably have more sense in Europe which tends to have shorter commutes (90% of mine for most of my life have been under 4km).
Love the new stats format, Tom. Looks great and very helpful.
Recently bought a 330e msport and I absolutely am shocked by the fuel efficiency. Have done about 1800km and still only used about 1 and 3/4 tanks of fuel. I charge it overnight at home using the charge in time slot option so it’s always charging on off peak which is about $1.20 for a complete 0-100% charge.
love how comprehensive this review is
Nice review on the car with plenty of details. I just booked mine here in Malaysia as we get good incentives for EV/PHEV cars. But my decision was not solely based on that, I did test drive the Volvo XC40 hybrid and it was a let down, too much power thrown at you from the get go and you really need to tame it down. I didn't like the ride quality either. But in the BMW iX3,and 330e..it was a really different story. It was more of a matured car, so much comfort and gives power when you want it.
In the US, state and federal tax credits make the 330e xDrive effectively cost a few thousand dollars more than a completely loaded Honda Accord or Toyota Camry Hybrid. I own a Honda Accord V6 now. The Accord V6 can run on 3 cylinders when you are light on the pedal yielding as high as 40 MPG on the highway. While at the same time, it really moves when you need it to. There is no real direct replacement for this other than the 330e, so I just ordered one. I didn’t drive the G20 yet, but I did have 2 days in a 2018 330e overseas and I was so surprised at how much I liked it. I had lots of fun driving it while getting 35 MPG having been given the car with 0% charge on the battery.
Is this car subsidized by the Australian government? Here in Germany, you get 3750 Euros as a subsidy for buying hybrid. Good report 👏
No Australian subsidies or incentives as our right wing government struggles with EV as petrol excise is a great money earner plus we cover around 15k km per annum as outside of our large urban centres we drive long distances- we are also stuck on Euro 5 emissions with no future targets to reduce this - hence uptake is less than 1% of new car market
I understand the comments regarding the compromises. For example ‘just get an EV, or just get a petrol/gas car’. Here’s why this car is compelling to me. I live in New England. 80-90% of my driving is the suburbs or country lanes with 10-20% longer trips up into Maine or New Hampshire. My commute is 10-15 minutes on the highway and then 30 minutes in town in stop start traffic. The electric capabilities on my commute would mean that, other than a short highway stint, the car would be 80% electric. My longer trips on the weekend are currently too long for a full EV without searching for charging stations when I’m up there. They’d typically be 300-400 miles. In this car, the regular ICE keeps me going (even with the relatively limited 290 mile range). Sure, I’d have to fill up, but that’s much easier and quicker. So if, like me and many others, you have a blended driving profile, then this car is much more compelling than it might, at first, seem.
Excellent review, last year I did the test drive between the 330i and a 330e I decided on the 330i. There was not enough savings for me to justify the 330e. The battery capacity with km range is too small and the down tuning of the engine was a few of my decisions against the 330e. My 330i gives me 6.2L/Km on the highway and 6.6 in the city. I am very happy and the car drives beautifully.
The thing that differs is VAT. In norway the 330i is like 15k more than the 330e
@Mattejko yeah true. The 330e is actually a really good car in Norway. Hybrid and electroc cars are really taking over in Norway
most independent car reviews . . . . Followed by a beautiful shot of Queenstown New Zealand HAHAH. Just thought that was funny. Really like the video.
This video actually helped me a lot, decidind between the 330e and 330i. Totally agree with you, I'll go with the 330i.
Keep up with the good work 👏
I own the same 330e, apart from the leather interior. I very much love this car. Comfortable if you want, or very sporty when you like
Indeed, I drive a 330e for 8 months and its fantastic. Fast when you need it, economical every day☺️
You’re saying the car costs more so its not worth financially vs the 330i. Why are you not considering that the price will be higher when you sell the car and replace it for a new one? Doesn’t really make sense to me. Seems unfortunately a bit misleading :/
BMW specs are so regional. In Canada the 330e starts at $45k (CAD), where as the 330i starts at $4,300 more. The e allows you to buy the RWD version, the i only comes in AWD, which is why I ordered the cheaper 330e. I would not use the BMW in the winters - already have a 4x4 for that. Thanks for the review though, I understand why people would buy the petrol version if it's that more expensive.
Greit vidio, good review, I’m getting my BMW 330E delivered this week, so exided👍
Line Norway
Great review Tom. Thanks for the detailed energy/fuel consumption and break even analysis.
Hi Tom , does GPF fitted to these G20s coming to Australia? Sorry about the question as it’s off the topic.
Ah the benchmark! The ultimate driving machine! 😍😍😍
One month in, and I’m very, very impressed… gadgets galore, sweet.. downside only 19 miles on a full charge… overall I have fallen for the motor 💯💯💯
Interesting review, just wondering can you save the electric power for later in your journey?
We live in the Southern Highlands and quite often travel to Mosman to visit family, these drives are done in non peak times and we have no traffic lights till Neutral Bay.
Ideally in car like this I would run on Petrol on the freeway and then change over to electric power for the suburban driving
I believe if you enter your destination, the navigation system will optimise, using the electric energy for the part of journey with stop / start traffic
While this is a super niche vehicle, I don't think that it should have come in estate form as I don't think this appeals to the enthusiast base any more than the standard 330i does. The performance isn't there -- it's a practical car.
5.5 years to break even?! That must be an Aus thing. In the UK will take me less than two at 8k m /13k kms
what the the repair cost of the car? after the warrenty has run out. eg 7year old hybrid
This generation of 3 Series and of BMW's PHEV system hasn't been out for seven years yet! So it's very hard to say
Station wagons are rare but agree with the assessment about making more sense for the enthusiast. For the users that want lower power and more eco friendly, I don't think this is it.
Nice review Tom
Excellent review - thank you.
It's 292bhp combined, 218kw total.
Intro beats are sick
Great car, great review. With a 5.5 year break-even and what looks to be an additional 160Kg for the 330e, I'd go for the 330i
Any chance you can review a X5 45e?
What drives nicer a merc c class or a BMW 3 series?
3 Series
As someone who's driven both, and ended up buying one of them, easily the 3 series.
@@chasingcars thank you :)
@@andrew22334455 have a c250 and always wonder what the BMW is like
@@simoncouch1523 3 series feels younger and more sportier. C class feels like it was created for the older generations or for businesses as fleet cars. It drives well, but there's no desire to push it, because it doesn't goad you on.
I've owned my 330i for most of a year now, and I am yet to find another car that provides the same package for me.
Nice Omega timepiece.
So what you are saying is... it isn’t worth it.
Was looking forward to a 330e wagon in Aus. Shame.
3 year warranty.. they really stand behind the product.
The 330e is way too expensive, the BMW really should bring the 320d back.
Why do you think they discontinued it? Nobody wanted one.
It’s everywhere, though maybe not your country
I like your glasses bro
300i or 300d Touring station wagon is more compelling Nice review
330i is my choice.
no one carries the charging cables with them in an ev and certainly not in a hybrid.
The first 100kms are pretty nice to drive, but if the charge is gone, you have a pretty heavy petrol car. If you add the petrol & power usage together, you clearly see how expensive it is to drive. 5-7litres petrol + 6-10kW/h per 100km is not really efficient. Trunk is a Joke, Hybrid has a much higher and softer suspension due to the batterypack, power output is very inconsitent depends on the battery state, engine sound is awful especially with the active sound ON and for that all, they're pretty expensive. Would get a real EV instead of this artificial try. More efficiency, way better acceleration and lots of silence ☝️
13:20 😂😂😂 typical bmw. even if they use blinkers they use it wrong
Less space, more expensive, not that much more efficient. I’d stick with the petrol.
In Malaysia the 330e is far cheaper than the 330i by 15%, we also don't have a diesel version. The silence of an electric motor, together with 2-3 days of driving(50-60km) of urban driving is perfect for me. Longer journeys the petrol engine comes in to get rid of my range anxiety, as it feels as if Malaysia will take decades to set up is supercharger network. Oil price coming up. USD 70-90 on the horizon. All in all, if you think about the 3-5 year outlook, buying the 330e might be an excellent practical choice in the years ahead.
A
Hybrid plug-in cars were considered ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER in Europe
This car smells of a manufacturer trying to accommodate some greenwashed standard at the expense of the consumer. Yes, I want to save the planet but these make very little sense to the end consumer. Paying that much MORE than the 330i to save a few pennies on fuel? If you can afford the 330i OR 330e then you can afford the rather insignificant fuel saving differences (if any). $7K is a LOT of petrol divided by a few cents per liter. For an expensive (beautiful) luxury car? WITH the deal breaking loss of luggage space, additional weight and no spare? I dunno? Makes no sense at all to me? Happy to be corrected if someone can explain?
The planet needs SMALL - CHEAP electrics for commuting. Seating for 5+, large boot for the shopping and school bags. Small battery to cover a couple of days of commuting and easy to charge overnight. Something for the masses, not this Beemer offering? /lecture :-).
Great review and presenting the information unbiased. Love this channel.
There’s something to be said for the serene manner an electric motor silently wafts you along with all of that instant torque on tap, without the concerns range anxiety / where do I plug it in.
@@speedymini998 Thanks. That makes sense. I guess the attraction is the electric itself - 'no matter what the cost'. They have sold a few so there must be a reason to buy. Sure a darn nice vehicle.
thje only reason we buy this crap is beacuse of our tax laws here in germany.
First comment🙌
Nice until I looked up the DAP. Cost 'just a tad more' than I was expecting...
123 kW/t isn't gutless but would expect something in the 170's for that repayment level.