Is the BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid a Good Car?

The BMW 330e is about to launch a new model year with all the luxury comforts of an executive sedan and a PHEV powertrain, making it a good car to consider.
Written by Mary Alice Morris
The 2023 BMW 330e distinguishes itself as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with a turbocharged 2-liter engine generating 288 horsepower.
  • The 330e is one of three optional powertrains in the BMW 3 Series, and it's available as a rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
  • This package has worked for the retailer since 2021: a compact sedan that can keep pace with performance vehicles and get 75 mpg. 
  • The 330e’s all-electric range is about 23 miles, which is just enough for local trips.

All about the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid

The 330e PHEV debuted in 2016, but today’s model is more refined, more powerful, and more efficient. It’s coming in fresh with a 2023 overhaul that’s made the entire dashboard digital and updated the front fascia with an edgier, more modern design. 
In performance, it lands right in the middle of the 3 Series lineup, achieving a top speed of 143 mph. This BMW rides smoothly on an intuitive transmission and powertrain combination that offers seamless acceleration and shifting, despite only being available as an 8-speed automatic. 

Pricing

The 2023 BMW 330e’s pricing is reasonable for a brand-new luxury PHEV, but it’s still a sizable expense. The starting MSRP for the new model is $44,295. 
If you want AWD instead of RWD, you’ll need to get the 330e XDrive trim, which starts at $46,295. 
Although it’s a lot of money, the price drop between the PHEV and the base level trim isn’t worth abandoning your hybrid aspirations (or your desire to have lower emissions). The base trim BMW 330i starts at $43,295—only $1,000 less than the RWD PHEV option. 
One selling point that offsets the price is the federal
tax credit
for which you may still qualify by purchasing a new 330e. You should also check your eligibility for more state-level incentives and credits, too, depending on where you live. 

Performance and fuel economy specs

The 330e’s range in all-electric mode isn’t impressive at just 23 miles, but it’s likely to get most commuters to work. If you can find a charging station near your destination, then you’re set to do most of your driving with electric power. 
With a curb weight of just over 4,000 pounds, its total combined range is 320 miles with a full fuel tank, and the RWD 330e gets more efficient mileage than the AWD XDrive configuration. 
With RWD, you’ll get an EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg using only gas, and a hybrid-powered 75 combined MPGe when your gas-powered engine and electric motor work together. 
For comparison: The XDrive version only gets 25 mpg when powered only by gas, and its hybrid powertrain MPGe is a combined 67 miles. 
Both models can see up to 288 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and both achieve an impressive 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds, falling right between the base level 330i and the sport-tuned M340i. 
The 330e also benefits from passive regenerative braking, which helps slightly recharge the battery while you’re driving. 
When it’s time to recharge: it’ll take about three hours at a Level 2 charger with 220V. If you can only access a 110V outlet, your 330e will need almost 11 hours to charge completely.

Exterior styling

When it comes to appearances, BMW is almost always on top of its game, and the 330e is no exception. Its double-spoke 18-inch wheels and striking front fascia give all the indications of its performance capabilities. 
Its exterior tech features deliver practicality, with niceties like heated jets on the windshield wipers to flush away frost and standard perimeter approach lights. 
You can get the 2023 BMW 330e in 11 distinguished colors, including varying metallic and matte shades of:
  • Blue 
  • Red
  • Grey
  • White
  • Black

Interior and comfort

When you get inside the new BMW 330e, you’ll find that it has somewhat less cargo space than others in the 3 Series. It has only 13 cubic feet of cargo room because BMW had to make room for the battery pack. 
In terms of comfort, the materials are refined and the adjustable sports seats are well-cushioned. Multi-zone automatic climate control is available as well.

Technology

You won’t miss anything entertainment-wise in the 330e. Two LCD monitors flank the front, one being a 12.3-inch gauge display that rests right next to the 14.9-inch infotainment display. 
In-dash navigation, 5G wi-fi hotspot, and the expected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Bluetooth capability come standard. 
Additional available infotainment features include a Harman/Kardon stereo system, a heads-up display, and wireless smartphone charging. 
The 330e is not nearly as generous when it comes to safety features, only offering standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. Additional driver assistance tech features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, and lane departure warning are available for a cost, as is the parking assistance package. 

Warranty coverage

BMW’s warranty program is pretty run-of-the-mill when compared to its competitors, except for its extensive complimentary maintenance service package. 
Here’s what you’ll get with your new 330e:
  • Limited Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Hybrid Battery Warranty: 8 years or 80,000 miles
  • Complimentary maintenance: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Available options

Like other manufacturers, BMW is more than happy to upsell an appearance or performance package if you want something that deviates from the norm. 
  • The M Sport package, priced at $2,550, adds 19-inch wheels and M-Sport badging, the M-Sport steering wheel, and sporty touches to the exterior trim. 
  • The $1,350 Premium Package delivers a heads-up display, navigation enhancements, a heated steering wheel, and Comfort Access Keyless Entry. 
  • The $1,400 Dynamic Handling Package and the $700 Driving Assistance Package are also available. 

2023 BMW 330e PHEV vs. 2022 Audi A7 PHEV

A pricey but strong competitor for the luxury sedan PHEV market is the
Audi A7
, although Audi isn’t producing a 2023 model of this PHEV.
The Audi is substantially more expensive and isn’t as fuel-efficient as the BMW 330e—but the Audi A7’s range is nearly 100 miles longer than the 330e and its hybrid battery warranty covers more mileage over eight years.
Model
Starting price
Fuel economy (gas only)
Fuel economy (gas + electric)
Driving range
Charging time (Level 2)
Hybrid battery warranty
2023 BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid
$44,295
28 mpg
75 MPGe
320 miles
3 hours
8 years or 80,000 miles
2022 Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid
$76,995
27 mpg
70 MPGe
410 miles
2 hours
8 years or 100,000 miles

2023 BMW 330e PHEV vs. 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge

The entry-level luxury Volvo
S60
Recharge’s PHEV powertrain offers the most power out of the sedan’s entire lineup, with up to 455 horsepower. 
Like the Audi A7, it’s also more expensive than the BMW 330e. However, its range is 210 miles longer than the BMW’s. The trade-off for that is a much longer charging time.
Model
Starting price
Fuel economy (gas only)
Fuel economy (gas + electric)
Driving range
Charging time (Level 2)
Hybrid battery warranty
2023 BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid
$44,295
28 mpg
75 MPGe
320 miles
3 hours
8 years or 80,000 miles
2022 Volvo S60 Recharge
$52,295
31 mpg
74 MPGe
530 miles
5 hours
8 years or 99,419 miles
“Insurance companies originally charged me $189 while driving my BMW 300 miles per year. Thanks to
Jerry
, I only pay $56! I’m so happy.”  —Ray T.
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