KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia has launched its latest 330e M Sport plug-in hybrid that promises a sportier and more efficient driving experience.
Priced at RM264,613 (on the road with sales tax exemption, without insurance), the latest 330e is powered by a 2.0-litre (1,998cc) turbocharged engine producing 184hp from 5,000 to 6,500rpm and 300Nm of torque from 1,350 to 4,000rpm.
From now until Dec 31, new owners will receive an extended hybrid battery warranty of up to eight years or 160,000km (whichever comes first).
READ MORE: BMW M340i xDrive - Malaysia's first CKD M Sport performance model
The locally-assembled (CKD) 330e will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide starting Oct 24 and comes in five colour options including Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Portimao Blue, Mineral Grey and Sunset Orange. These can be complemented by either Black or Cognac Leather Vernasca upholstery with Black decor stitching.
Alternatively, customers can book the 330e on BMW Malaysia's online site for RM1,000.
Power is managed by an eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission and is further supplemented by an electric motor providing instant access to 83kW and 265Nm of torque from 0 to 3,170rpm.
Combining the efforts of both motors, system output is rated at 292hp and 420Nm of torque.
This is all thanks to the newly added XtraBoost feature which temporarily increases the standard system output of 252hp with an additional 41hp. A first for the 330e.
The XtraBoost feature can be activated via the Driving Experience Control switch in Sport mode and is also available during kickdown manoeuvres or after shifting the gear selector switch to the M (Manual) or S (Sport) position.
Thanks to the electric motor, it is capable of sipping just 2.2-litres per 100km and emit 50g/km of carbon dioxide.
Within the included M Sport package, the 330e comes fitted with an adaptive sports suspension, variable sports steering system and an M Aerodynamics package.
As standard, it will be fitted with Bicolour Double-Spoke Style 790 M 18-inch lightweight alloys in staggered formation (7.5JJ - front and 8.5JJ - rear) and are fitted with run-flat 225/45 (front) and 255/40 (rear) tyres. The wheels partially obscure the blue-painted "M"-designated sport brakes.
Parts from BMW Individual include high-gloss Shadow Line, two-sided high-gloss chrome exhaust tailpipe finishers, front ornamental grille in high-gloss chrome, M Aerodynamics package and side exterior "M" designation badges.
Also included are automatic adaptive LED headlights, 11 predefined ambient lighting designs, exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function with fold-in function, automatic anti-dazzle rearview mirror, LED fog lights, automatic wipers and the Welcome Light Carpet.
Inside, the cabin features the 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit instrument display as well as M fixtures and fittings including the powered front sports seats with driver memory function, front door sill finishers, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and M-specific metal pedals.
For trim, the roof is lined with Anthracite from BMW Individual while the rest of the interior is accented by a combination of Aluminium Tetragon and Pearl Chrome while the seats are wrapped in Vernasca leather upholstery.
Comfort and convenience are enhanced with tri-zone automatic climate controls, keyless entry with push-start button, hands-free tailgate operation, heat and sun protection glazing, storage compartment package and a through-loading system.
Entertainment comes from 10.25-inch BMW Navigation system Professional touchscreen display that's powered by a 205W 10-speaker HiFi system featuring a hard drive-supported system allowing for audio file storage, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging and USB port.
The BMW ConnectedDrive services is also included here that provides Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, BMW Digital Key and Intelligent Personal Assistant.
For safety, the 330e M Sport comes equipped with six airbags, seat-occupancy detection, crash sensor (closes windows and folds exterior mirrors), dynamic braking lights with flashing function, flat tyre indicator and ISOFIX child seat mounting points.
To help keep the car controllable are antilock braking system, dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, cornering brake control, dynamic brake control and brake assist.
“As a pioneer in the field of electromobility, our success story for the electrified sports sedan in Malaysia began in 2016 and we have delivered over 6,200 units nationwide since
then. Today, we are pleased to present the locally assembled, newest generation BMW 3 Series equipped with the latest BMW eDrive technology," said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Harald Hoelzl.
With BMW Malaysia's Dynamic financial programme, budding owners can opt for the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM2,938.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
