BMW 3 Series: Still BMW's best?

The BMW 3 Series is the German firm's best-selling model - and with good reason. No surprise then that it's been given a mid-life facelift to ensure it stays fresh in the face of competition such as the Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4.

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The updates being a new look inside and out, along with revised infotainment. In this CarGurus UK video review, Rebecca Jackson tests arguably the most sensible version of the car, the Touring - that's 'estate' to the rest of us - in company-car-tax-friendly 330e plug-in hybrid form.

This PHEV powertrain in the 3 Series combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a total power output of 288bhp, allowing it to sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds, and onto a top speed of 142mph. And, according to WLTP figures, it'll also do a maximum 37 miles in electric-only mode, and deliver average fuel economy of up to 201mpg (assuming you plug it often).

It all sounds very compelling on paper, but Rebecca finds out what the car's like in the real world, and gives her full verdict on its quality, practicality, technology, and of course, what it's like to drive.

▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 – Introducing the BMW 330e Touring
01:20 – Practicality
02:17 – In the back
02:53 – Interior and infotainment
04:11 – Driving impressions
08:18 – Verdict
09:10 – Let us know what you think

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#cargurusuk #bmw330e #bmw3series

[Kelveron]

"...despite BMW having an extensive range of SUVs....the 3 series is still the best-selling car in these shores...."! And long may it continue. SUVs have their plus points, but saloons and estates are lighter, more planted, drive better and are more efficient than SUVs. Nice review, as always.

[TheLittleRedCali]

We need a ‘bring back the knobs’ campaign.

[kirthgersen]

I have had a 330e Touring xDrive (G21) for more than one year now. A pre facelift version, so that I don’t suffer from the removal of buttons or from this inelegant new dashboard.
I can recharge at home and not burn gas at all on my daily commute (twice 10 miles).
And I travel from the Paris region to the south of France (800 km/500 miles) once every two months or so.
The longer distance I've achieved in full electric mode has been 54km (33.6 miles).
My average consumption over 1.5 year/30000km (18600 miles) is 5.2l/100km (54 UK mpg), plus 8.9kWh/100km.
On pure petrol consumption point of view, this is much better than my previous petrol car (Skoda Octavia) with which I was over 8.3l/100km (34 mpg) in the same conditions.
Worst consumption achieved in winter, with winter tires, no initial battery charge, and with a roof case: 8.5l/100km (33.2mpg)
Usually, I'm around 7 to 7.5l/100km (40.4 to 37.7mpg) on long distances on highways (at around 90mph).
I find the regeneration working particularly well on the BMW, and you never lack the support of the electric engine during long distances journeys. What may be different from other PHEVs is the fact that the focus here is on making the car dynamic and responsive rather than focusing entirely on cutting fuel consumption.
Still, by my calculations, with petrol and electric prices here in France, I will start saving money over a 330i after 35, 000 km (21, 750 miles). By the way, the 330i is no longer sold here.
That's the most fun car I have had since I started driving in 1985. The ride is excellent. I'm driving quite often in small roads in the Pyrénées mountains. About the additional weight, I'd say this is felt only in very particular conditions, such has braking hard or curves taken at (too) high a speed. And btw, it's not that much heavier compared to a 330d.
Overall, so far, I'm fully satisfied with the car.

[davidmarshall]

Far nicer than all these bland suv's we have rammed down our throat..this has 'style' 💯👌

[michaelmeredith]

I love it, aside from the lack of some buttons. I purchased the ‘22 330e and absolutely love it. It’s powerful, smooth, really fun to drive and being able to commute in electric, an average MPG is about 55mpg. 👍🏼👍🏼⚡️

[dazzerpaul]

Had my 330e for three weeks now. It’s a brilliant car. The performance and drive is stunning and the cars design is perfect. The cabin is comfortable and a great driving position. The infotech system is great and easy to use. The only thing I can think of that’s not great is the gear paddles, totally unnecessary. I love it.

[benchnorthants]

It's seriously all the car you need, and worth considering as a used purchase.

[grahamsalmons]

Great review.
I do quite a lot of motorway miles. I looked at the 330e but concluded that for the most part I would be driving a 2.0T but carrying around batteries and an electric motor most of the time. This left me with a difficult choice between 320d and an i4 (which isn’t estate of course). In the end I took the plunge with an i4. Yes, yes, I know range… but my regular journey can be completed on a single charge at home and I only do it once or twice a week. I just felt it was time to try electric.
I suppose my point is the one that is well made in this car gurus review: try before you buy, and try properly. Everyone has unique requirements and it’s very hard to tell whether these will be met by paper spec alone. These cars are properly expensive and you need to make the right decision for you! We’ll find out soon enough whether I have!!

[Unexplained_Bacon]

I wish manufacturers would ditch touchscreens entirely.

[sdsdvdproductionstravelvlo]

Great review nice work, I take delivery tomorrow of the same car. looking forward to having a play.

[rhysmainwaring]

Great review as always :-). iDrive 8 is the reason I won't buy another new (ish) BMW. Step too far to me - I've gone back to old school analogue and I personally prefer it.

[Cornwall]

Is the m3 estate out yet? I’ve only saw the 340i and those and lovely too

[rny]

ordered this exact model at the start of Nov through the company....cant wait

[matyi]

I like this reviewer, she's good at her job!

[alanwayte]

We have 2021 330e in summer electric range max 31 miles, driving daily commute to office 25miles Each way with office charger, we average 68Mpg which is best of both worlds, hate the fact that gear lever has gone, and ridiculous inclusion of climate controls into screen...No no no

[agentFonseca]

For those of you with a base 320i or a 330e… what are the running costs? In terms of insurance, servicing etc?

I’m thinking on getting one and the 320i seems to be more than enough for my needs.
Cheers.

[diremond]

A great car with all the usual BMW driving dynamics which outclass all its rivals. After having driven around 3k miles in a 330e, the biggest issue I have is with the engine. This car only makes sense if you have home-charging and are willing to charge it regularly. If you want the best all-round 3-series out there, seek out an M340d. BMW were forced to stop making one of the best cars they've ever produced - in my opinion.

[Frostbbitten]

Love our 330i touring, sadly, BMW has stopped bringing the touring model to Canada.😠 The 330e is icing on the cake. Well, there is the M5 touring apparently coming to Canada with over 700HP, super cool but not really what I need.

[lewbi]

Had mine on order since October, unfortunately bmw have removed the adaptive suspension from the pro pack and is no longer an option due to semi conductor shortage, mine was ordered with but will come without sad, Times

[jamiep]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. The best Sports Estate looks even better now with the updates that have been made 🙂