It’s almost 50 years since BMW’s then advertising agency in the USA coined the phrase: 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'. There are not many 1975 strap-lines still in use. How does a plug-In hybrid estate car then, 4WD notwithstanding, measure up?
BMW rationalised its line-up in the 1960s into a range of 2 and 4-door saloons and coupes. These 1500, 1600, 1800 and 2000 models led to the ‘executive’ size 5 Series, compact upper mid-size 3-Series and large 7-Series of the 70s. The ‘sports saloon’ had arrived and that ‘strapline’ summed it up.
The first ‘Touring’ in 1968 was a three-door hatch but the 1988 Touring was different. A distinct estate version of the 3 Series it had sleek looks, performance and enough practicality to attract a strong following. BMW now had a ‘sports estate’ too.
BMW rationalised its line-up in the 1960s into a range of 2 and 4-door saloons and coupes. These 1500, 1600, 1800 and 2000 models led to the ‘executive’ size 5 Series, compact upper mid-size 3-Series and large 7-Series of the 70s. The ‘sports saloon’ had arrived and that ‘strapline’ summed it up.
The first ‘Touring’ in 1968 was a three-door hatch but the 1988 Touring was different. A distinct estate version of the 3 Series it had sleek looks, performance and enough practicality to attract a strong following. BMW now had a ‘sports estate’ too.
BMW’s response to the SUV challenge was the X5 of 1999. Again, on-road dynamics were to the fore. No transfer box/low ratios but the 4x4 system met the off-road ambitions of most buyers while road-holding was clearly improved. From this came BMW’s range-wide “xDrive” option.
The current (upper-mid size) 3 Series and 4 Series (Coupé and Convertible) arrived in 2019. There is also a 4 Series Gran Coupe — a kind of four-door coupé. Top of the range is the very high performance M4 from the Motorsport Division — not to be confused with the M Sport models which are sportier versions of mainstream cars.
Classic rear-wheel drive and near 50-50 front-to-rear weight balance make for sharp handling and a good ride-roadholding trade-off. The xDrive system retains a rear-drive bias so the dynamic character of the car does not change. Almost without exception 3 Series models still offer, of their type, a peerless driving experience.
The challenge with the latest (seventh generation; 2019) 3-Series has been electrification – mild hybrid (self-contained) engine assist or the more radical plug-In (PHEV) set-up. The 330xe combines PHEV and 4WD offering a decent electric-only range or enhanced regenerative hybrid drive.
Primarily it remains a combustion engine car (turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, petrol) so no EV range anxiety. Recharging takes about 6-6.5hrs from a domestic plug down to 35 minutes from a rapid charger installation. The car offers various driving modes: Sport, Auto, Individual, Electric, Hybrid, etc. But the key issue here is pure electric range, hybrid use and the effect overall on petrol consumption.
The official all electric range for the model driven was 32.3-34.2 miles. On-test average was a pretty useful 23 miles (best 28; worst 17). Drive switches from ‘Electric’ to ‘Hybrid’ seamlessly if the latter’s not engaged before the charge runs out.
Driving style, of course, is key. Brim-to-brim petrol MPG checks were not doable during the appraisal period as the amount consumed was small (26 litres) but an estimate on figures to hand suggested a quite frugal 70-73mpg. Official: 156.9-176.6.
Model Range 3 Series Touring: £34,415 (318i SE) - £52,045 (M 340d xDrive); 2.0L 4-Cyl Diesel from £36,935 (318d SE); xDrive from £39,950 (320d SE); 3.0L 6-Cyl Diesel from £42,900 (330d Sport); 330d xDrive from £44,450; 2.0L Petrol PHEV from £41,530 (330e SE); PHEV xDrive from £43,080 (330xe SE).
Competition: New Mercedes C-Class; Audi A4 Avant; Volvo V60.
Facts & Figures: BMW 330e xDrive M Sport Touring (£45,185); 292ps (Combined petrol and electric output); 143mph; 0-62mph 5.9-secs; CO2 41g/km; Road Tax (1 st Yr £0), £465 PA thereafter for 5yrs (AFV cars over £40,000 new); Ins Grp 35; Max Braked Trailer Weight 1,800kg.
Conclusion: 330xe delivers for those with a regular work-day commute – especially if workplace charging laid on. A rapid long distance estate car, cabin space and comfort have all improved with the current 3 Series. But fast yet frugal 320d or iconic in-line 6-cylinder 330d are here for another decade. Stunning M 340d xDrive offers serious performance. Regrettably, no choice of a manual gearbox for the UK.
Huw Thomas
First published in Welsh Farmer, the newspaper of the Farmers' Union of Wales
The current (upper-mid size) 3 Series and 4 Series (Coupé and Convertible) arrived in 2019. There is also a 4 Series Gran Coupe — a kind of four-door coupé. Top of the range is the very high performance M4 from the Motorsport Division — not to be confused with the M Sport models which are sportier versions of mainstream cars.
Classic rear-wheel drive and near 50-50 front-to-rear weight balance make for sharp handling and a good ride-roadholding trade-off. The xDrive system retains a rear-drive bias so the dynamic character of the car does not change. Almost without exception 3 Series models still offer, of their type, a peerless driving experience.
The challenge with the latest (seventh generation; 2019) 3-Series has been electrification – mild hybrid (self-contained) engine assist or the more radical plug-In (PHEV) set-up. The 330xe combines PHEV and 4WD offering a decent electric-only range or enhanced regenerative hybrid drive.
Primarily it remains a combustion engine car (turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, petrol) so no EV range anxiety. Recharging takes about 6-6.5hrs from a domestic plug down to 35 minutes from a rapid charger installation. The car offers various driving modes: Sport, Auto, Individual, Electric, Hybrid, etc. But the key issue here is pure electric range, hybrid use and the effect overall on petrol consumption.
The official all electric range for the model driven was 32.3-34.2 miles. On-test average was a pretty useful 23 miles (best 28; worst 17). Drive switches from ‘Electric’ to ‘Hybrid’ seamlessly if the latter’s not engaged before the charge runs out.
Driving style, of course, is key. Brim-to-brim petrol MPG checks were not doable during the appraisal period as the amount consumed was small (26 litres) but an estimate on figures to hand suggested a quite frugal 70-73mpg. Official: 156.9-176.6.
Model Range 3 Series Touring: £34,415 (318i SE) - £52,045 (M 340d xDrive); 2.0L 4-Cyl Diesel from £36,935 (318d SE); xDrive from £39,950 (320d SE); 3.0L 6-Cyl Diesel from £42,900 (330d Sport); 330d xDrive from £44,450; 2.0L Petrol PHEV from £41,530 (330e SE); PHEV xDrive from £43,080 (330xe SE).
Competition: New Mercedes C-Class; Audi A4 Avant; Volvo V60.
Facts & Figures: BMW 330e xDrive M Sport Touring (£45,185); 292ps (Combined petrol and electric output); 143mph; 0-62mph 5.9-secs; CO2 41g/km; Road Tax (1 st Yr £0), £465 PA thereafter for 5yrs (AFV cars over £40,000 new); Ins Grp 35; Max Braked Trailer Weight 1,800kg.
Conclusion: 330xe delivers for those with a regular work-day commute – especially if workplace charging laid on. A rapid long distance estate car, cabin space and comfort have all improved with the current 3 Series. But fast yet frugal 320d or iconic in-line 6-cylinder 330d are here for another decade. Stunning M 340d xDrive offers serious performance. Regrettably, no choice of a manual gearbox for the UK.
Huw Thomas
First published in Welsh Farmer, the newspaper of the Farmers' Union of Wales
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