BMW 330e plug-in hybrid Malaysian arrival confirmed – 0-100 km/h in 6.3 sec, 2.1 l/100 km, from RM240k?

P90208287_highRes_bmw-330e-01-2016

And it’s official. BMW Malaysia has just confirmed the impending arrival of the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid to our market, with its new #ElectricDrivingPleasure campaign. As we reported yesterday, the 330e will soon join the X5 xDrive40e in BMW Malaysia’s latest PHEV range. How soon? As early as the end of August, it seems.

Prices have not been confirmed just yet, but sources indicate a range between RM240k to RM260k. That will put the 330e in between the 320i Sport Line (RM231,800) and 330i M Sport (RM297,800), effectively replacing the 320d and 320i M Sport models (previously priced at RM269k and RM259k respectively) that were discontinued earlier this year.

With the range indicated (RM240k-RM260k), it’s possible that BMW Malaysia will offer the 330e iPerformance in two flavours: Sport Line and M Sport. We will know soon enough, of course. The X5 xDrive40e, launched at RM388,800, undercutting all its rivals, comes in M Sport guise only.

Under the hood of the 330e will be a similar 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine, electric motor and eight-speed gearbox combo as the larger X5 xDrive40e and 740e. Here, though, the engine is rated at 180 hp and 290 Nm, paired with an 87 hp, 250 Nm electric motor. Combined system output is 248 hp and 420 Nm of torque, compared to 252 hp and 350 Nm for the petrol-only 330i.

The 330e iPerformance will get from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, on to a top speed of 225 km/h, very close to the 330i’s 5.8 seconds/250 km/h. But on the other hand, the plug-in hybrid model is claimed to average just 2.1 litres per 100 km, compared to 6.1 l/100 km for the 330i. The 330e also has an all-electric range of 22.5 km, at speeds of up to 120 km/h.

BMW Malaysia’s #ElectricDrivingPleasure campaign, with a supporting video below, aims to highlight Malaysians changing lives through innovation, ideas, and solutions.

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • Why do I get the feeling that they’ll be bringing in the lower end trim level?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 5
    • Msport on Aug 03, 2016 at 4:19 pm

      The x5e was offered in m sport trim though

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Dun worry. Msport accessories kan ada…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
    • Kunta Kinte on Aug 03, 2016 at 5:55 pm

      My advice to car buyers, especially BMW buyers, be careful when you buy the G30 5 series or the 730Li or 740Li. This is because, we got a flip flop government.

      You see, the buyers who bought their X5 for RM580k are now crying cause the x5 Plug in is RM388k. So now, their car tak laku. Cannot sell. Bought RM580k, want to sell RM300k 1 year old X5 also cannot get buyer.

      The same with the 320i and 328i buyers. Now this 330i Plug In come out, their prices will jatuh like crazy.

      The same warning to the G30 5 series buyers. You buy the 520i and 528i now, when the G30 Plug in Hyrbid comes out and it is sold for RM300k…..you will cry like the X5 owners who bought at RM588k

      7 series owners also beware. When they bring in the 740e Pug In Hyrbid, your 730li and 740li will be worth half in value.

      We have to thank our flip flop Government for this. This warning extends to the new E200 Mercedes too. Buy today at RM380k. when a plug in hybrid is introduced, you will cry.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 71 Thumb down 11
      • Meanwhile nobody comes to ur toyota showroom. How saddings

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 23
        • bukti kerajaan sudah tunai janji…..masih nak ampu jepunis overlords? oh wai!

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
      • Same L0rrrr on Aug 03, 2016 at 6:26 pm

        Better stick to your recond persona. Low RV but i promise you i pay u at least 5k when you trade in for vios.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 11
      • this is not flip flop.. this is related to ev incentive.. i think most govt in other countries doing the same.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 18
      • waters on Aug 04, 2016 at 11:25 am

        Nothing todo with flip-flops.
        You get incentives for purchasing an EEV car. That’s all.

        Also, as the prices of cars start coming down, this kind of situation is bound to happen. You can’t expect cheaper cars without getting a hit in RV.

        If you’re still unsure, then just wait it out until the market normalizes – which will be never. There will always be incentives for different types of vehicles. Possible more in the future.

        However, with these incentives, waiting lists are longer. So, a person who may not want to wait for the 330e, would end up buying the 320i.

        One more thing to note, plug-in hybrids are not for everyone.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • Dr Mamak on Aug 03, 2016 at 11:42 pm

      240k car got no reverse cam?? bmw msia better go fly kite!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 6
  • Who want to take my C200?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 8
  • If only they made a 4-series hybrid and offered it in Malaysia with EEV pricing. I would go book one in a heartbeat.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • gaviny on Aug 03, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    interesting proposition for people like me who travel 28kms daily 14 each way in full traffic jams.

    almost no need to refuel at all

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
    • heybadigol (Member) on Aug 03, 2016 at 6:10 pm

      Don’t forget the increased electricity bill. Unless you charge at office or somewhere other than home.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • 4G63T DSM on Aug 04, 2016 at 11:05 am

      I wonder how much battery the electric air con burns up when you are stuck in a jam in of those 28kms.

      But i digress, I know someone with a Focus diesel that pumps diesel once every month to the point she forgets which side the filler is….then at that point you start to question, if she drives so little why bother with even buying a car.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Dr Mamak on Aug 04, 2016 at 11:56 am

      Go ahead. Your Tnb bill will jump 3x or more every month.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • waters on Aug 03, 2016 at 4:52 pm

    What are the charging options for apartment/condo occupants?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • thepolygonal on Aug 03, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    Merc… better buckle up.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • sohai on Aug 03, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    While it is a good deal compare to conventional 3, the savings are not as substantial as the X5.

    Yes, the list price of a 328/330 is around 300k. But is not hard to source for a lower price pre-registered units.
    A friend of mine got a pre-reg new 328 for about 250k when new price was about 290k.

    And people that stay in Condo are not naturally suited with these E stuff… So I think the conventional 3 still has its place in the market.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Aug 03, 2016 at 6:38 pm

    mercedes should file a lawsuit..very confusing sounds like my old w124 merseeless 230e

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
  • buluh Ketiak on Aug 03, 2016 at 7:29 pm

    A lot car buyers in this country would potentially be facing very low resale value when hybrid versions of their respective models are launched, because of this flip flop govn. Our auto policy is so screwed because they do not have a properly planned policy.

    Imagine yourself being a buyer of the earlier X5 30i, Im sure you would be cursing the whole day after seeing the price of the X5 hybrid 40e

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 6
  • Paultan, do you have any idea what will happen when the battery runs flat? Does it mean that the car will perform at 320i equivalent OR it would still be performing at 330i performance (as the “flat” battery will be powered up by fuel)? In other words, burning more fuel (to keep the engine running + keep the electric motor running)?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Paula Tan on Aug 04, 2016 at 1:53 pm

      Hi, PaulaTan here. Paul is not available at the moment so I try to answer on behalf.

      The system also work much like a hybrid, that the battery gets charged when breaking, cruising etc. The plug is needed to facilitate the charging as the battery is alot bigger than those non plug in hybrid.

      But you are absolutely right. If your battery is out of juice, the motor simply won’t work, and your e330 will morphed into a 320i, albeit temporary until you brake substantial enough to charge the car. So don’t attempt to over take a C250 when you have 1 bar left in your battery.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Edden on Aug 04, 2016 at 12:10 am

    Please list down charging station in Malaysia for those who drive Electric Car. TQ

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • You can download the app call The New Motion is ios.It will tell you location,how many unit available and free to use or not..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • buy at your own risk.
    Hybrid = HEV or PHEV.
    Plug in hybrid = PHEV, never a reliable version.
    but advantage = PHEV is mroe fuel saving.

    HEV is more reliable than even petrol powered car.
    but not as fuel saving than PHEV.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Asyraaf Halim on Jul 10, 2017 at 2:57 pm

    Hello PaulTan, I wanted to ask you something about the automatic start/stop engine features on the BMW 330e. On first time start, like in the morning, I blip the throttle for 2 times to keep the engine up and running, and it won’t shut off the engine until i press the brake pedal. This is exactly what i want it to work like. But the problem is, when comes the time i decide to just roll off with the electric motor only, and then i came to a full stop. Putting the gear in Parking (P), and pull the handbrake. I tried to blip the throttle 2 times, yes the engine start, but it’ll shut if off againt in 1 minute. But the engine is doesn’t even warm up yet! Not even an inch was raised on the temperature gauge.

    So, do you have any idea on how to keep the engine run when the vehicle is in park?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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