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.

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.