Is the 2018 BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid a Good Car?
If you’re in the market for a compact luxury sedan PHEV, the 2018 BMW 330 plug-in hybrid is a compelling choice.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you want to give a luxury plug-in hybrid (PHEV) a whirl, but you don’t want to splurge for a new one, a 2018 BMW 330e could be the right fit for you. This compact, luxury sport sedan combines looks, power, and nimble handling abilities.
The 2018 BMW 330e offers the best of both words—the raw, guttural power of a gasoline V6, and the ability to drive part of your weekly commute on pure electric power. Factor in BMW’s classic stylish body and well-appointed but minimal interior, and you’ve got yourself an excellent option for a used PHEV.
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2018 BMW 330e plug-in hybrid
The best part about the 2018 BMW 330e PHEV is that most people won’t even notice that it’s a plug-in hybrid—not only does it sport classic BMW styling, this little luxury sedan can make trips on pure electric power only. What’s more, you can get your hands on one for a significant discount, considering it is already a few years old.
Pricing
A BMW 330e goes for between $26,000 and $32,000 on the used market, compared to its original starting price of $46,595.
Performance and fuel economy
The 330e uses a 2.0 L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, combined with an electric motor boasting 247 horsepower to propel you on a smooth, muscular ride. While the handling is crisp, the steering feels slightly unresponsive, at least compared to BMW’s legendary driving dynamics. But it still beats most other PHEVs of the same vintage.
You’ll get an impressive 30 mpg combined with the 330e, along with 71 MPGe—not to mention 14 miles of electric driving range.This range is less than competitors, especially newer ones, but it does offer you the option of at least some carbon-free driving.
With a Level 2 charger,you can charge the 330e in about 3.5 hours.It will take about 7 hours to charge the 330e on a 110/120v household outlet.
Exterior styling
The BMW 330e’s exterior styling is what you expect from the German carmaker—a sleek-if-slightly-dated design that is unmistakable on the road. The 2018 330e featured new LED headlights and LED fog lights (both of which were standard), as well as new exterior and interior colors and trims.
Interior and comfort
Even if it’s not audacious in style and features, the BMW 330e’s interior is refined with a minimal yet stylish aesthetic. The basic interior can be a bit generic, but BMW offered plenty of color and trim options to upgrade the cabin to a driver’s style sensibilities.
The cabin’s control system is thoughtfully laid-out, with easy-to-use controls and its iDrive infotainment screen conveniently located high on the dash.
You’ll also find split folding rear seats and a generously-sized trunk.
Technology
Even though this 330e is from 2018, its technology features are slightly lacking compared to what contemporary drivers are used today.
The 330e features BMW’s iDrive 6.0 infotainment system, with its intuitive menus, touch-screen capability, and solid responsiveness. Apple CarPlay and a WiFI hotspot were both available as options, but Android Auto was not available on the 2018 330e. The 330e PHEV also sports just one USB port.
In terms of driver-assist technology, the 330e boasts the following:
- Electronic stability control
- ABS & Driveline Traction Control
- BMW Assist eCall Emergency SOS
- Back-up camera
Warranty coverage
While BMW offers a solid warranty, you’ll only be covered by part of it due to the 2018 330e’s age. BMW offers their standard warranty on the 330e, as well as a hybrid/electric component warranty, as follows:
- Basic warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Hybrid/electric component warranty: 8 years or 80,000 miles
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Trim levels and options
The plug-in hybrid version of the 2018 BMW 330e was offered in just the one trim. Even so, there were several options you could add to this plug-in hybrid, starting with how it looks. BMW introduced a new exterior color for the 2018 330—Sunset Orange Metallic.There was also a new interior leather color introduced in 2018, Cognac Brown Dakota,as well as a new interior trim color—Aluminum Dark Carbon.
You could also add the Shadow Package to the 2018 330e, which got you blacked-out trim on the wheels, grille, head- and tail lights,and lower front spoiler.
The bottom line
The 2018 BMW 330e is a powerful PHEV that is a great car for someone who is thinking about moving into the electric car realm, but is still a little hesitant. You’ll get it at a significantly discounted rate, but just make sure it's in good condition and it doesn’t already have too many miles racked up on its odometer.
MORE:
The best BMW hybrids
2018 BMW 330e PHEV vs. 2018 Infiniti Q50 hybrid
If the 2018 330e doesn’t float your boat and you’re looking for a hybrid of the same vintage, the 2018
Infiniti Q50 hybrid
could be a compelling choice. It features classic Infiniti good looks, offers plenty of value, and can be had for a song. Also, it’s not a plug-in hybrid—the Q50 sports a gas engine along with an electric motor that is charged every time youbrake or decelerate.Model | Starting price | Fuel economy (gas only) | Fuel economy (gas + electric) | Driving range | Charging time (Level 2) | Hybrid battery warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid | $26,000 to $32,000 | 30 mpg | 71 MPGe | 14 miles | 3.5 hours | 8 years or 80,000 miles |
2018 Infiniti Q50 hybrid | $23,00 to $27,000 | 28 mpg | N/A | N/A | N/A | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
2018 BMW 330e PHEV vs. 2021 Volvo V60 Recharge
If you decide that you want a used PHEV that’s a bit newer than the 2018 330e, check out the 2021 Volvo V60 Recharge. Granted, it won’t come as cheap as the 2018 330e, but it offers European driving dynamics combined with the practicality that comes with its sleek wagon design.
Model | Starting price | Fuel economy (gas only) | Fuel economy (gas + electric) | Driving range | Charging time (Level 2) | Hybrid battery warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid | $26,000 to $32,000 | 30 mpg | 71 MPGe | 14 miles | 3.5 hours | 8 years or 80,000 miles |
2021 Volvo V60 Recharge | $42,000 to $67,000 | 27 mpg | 69 MPGe | 22 miles | 3 hours | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
How to save money on car insurance
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