BMW Creates Hot Version of 3 Series Plug-In Hybrid

BMW 330e iPerformance (Credit: BMW)

Like it or not, BMW is pushing toward electrified vehicles. If you think that’s killing all of the Bavarian fun, BMW is determined to prove you wrong.

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First, the Germans gave us the i8, which was somewhat impressive when not compared to similarly-priced cars. Now we have the 330e iPerformance, the hot version of the 3 Series plug-in hybrid.

The hybrid powertrain includes a turbo 2.0-liter four-banger, same as the 320i, plus an electric motor that belts out 87 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque all by itself. Total system output is decent at 247 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Rear-wheel drive and an 8-speed auto are standard. It should go 0-60 in 5.9 seconds.

Like so many people in the auto industry are pointing out, the 330e iPerformance is obviously a way for BMW to take the fight to Tesla. The Model 3 is aimed squarely at people who would buy a 3 Series, A4, C-Class, etc. so BMW has found a way to counter that. Will it work? The Tesla will be significantly cheaper, but with no official specs there’s a lot of uncertainty.

If you want to get your hands on the BMW 330e iPerformance, you’ll have to wait for summer. Be prepared to shell out a fair amount, because the car will set you back a cool $44,695.