BMW has started sales of its 330e hybrid sedan/saloon in Europe. At just 1.7 liters per 100 kilometers on average, the car is marketed as a gas saver.
This translates into an impressive 166 miles per gallon (UK) or 138.3 MPG (USA). The powertrain incorporates a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine with 184 hp (137 kW) and an electric motor contributing another 113 hp (84 kW). The performance in the Hybrid drive mode is normally capped at 252 hp (188 kW), but you can use the Xtra Boost feature to get an additional 40 hp (30 kW) for up to ten seconds.
The car needs 5.9 seconds to get going at 100 km/h (62 mph) and maxes out at 230 km/h (143 mph) in hybrid mode. Switch to electric power, and the top speed drops to 140 km/h (87 mph). The all-electric range varies between 59 and 66 kilometers (37 – 41 miles).
The traction battery comes rated at 12 kWh and eats into the trunk space, leaving only 375 liters (13.25 cubic feet).
The hybrid car boasts an acoustic pedestrian warning system and the recent BMW eDrive Zones feature, which switches the drive mode to Electric automatically whenever you enter a no-emissions area.
Prices in Germany start at €51,550, which is €4,300 above the gas-powered BMW 330i.