Plugged-In Without Prejudice

What we like:

Drives like how a 3-Series does

Lower fuel consumption thanks to the hybrid-drive

Acceleration

What we dislike:

Slightly costly

Needs a space in your home to charge

Not public housing friendly

We will not deny that while the 330e drives like a gem, there might be a slight dampener to ownership when it comes to charging the battery. As it is relying on a slightly dated hybrid system (which is not that bad at all to begin with), the battery does not charge as quickly as the newer BMW cars in the iPerformance range.

Thinking from a logical point, for those who are still looking at fuel savings the 330e can offer, most users would see themselves charging from home, with their own charging units, and likely in the evenings, when back at home, allowing the charging station to do its thing.

Currently, the infrastructure for Type 2 chargers on the island is slowly growing, but would not very much affect the car, after-all it is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which means you still have an engine driving your car, and not a full electric car (EV); and therefore you are not ever held hostage by not being able to charge at a public station.

Over time, there will be more Type 2 public charging stations available on our island, and while this may seem more convenient for users, the reality is, most users will still be charging at home to begin with.

Additionally, when refuelling the car, waiting a few extra seconds more to depressurise the fuel tank before it opens would not be a significant issue at all (Fuel tanks are pressured as an added layer of safety).

The 330e we admit may not be ideal for many, as the obvious lack within public housing infrastructure would make it difficult to own a PHEV. With a price tag of $227,888 (as at 12 March 2018), there are a few other luxury sedans which easily fall into the same price range.

But for those who may have a need to clock a decent bit of mileage during their daily commute, while wanting to attain diesel-rivalling consumption figures, but without the pollution, the 330e stacks up very well.

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