2023 BMW 330e (Plug-in Hybrid): Everything we know [Update]

  • The 330e comes in two variants; priced at USD 43,300 & USD 45,300
  • Available in the same RWD and xDrive AWD layouts as the previous model year

Update: ‘Interior’ revised, and ‘Impending price hike’ added to the ‘Price & Release Date’ section.

In May 2022, BMW rolled out a facelift for its globally popular midsize car – the 3 Series. As before, 320e and 330e plug-in hybrid variants are part of the line-up, and only the latter is now available in the U.S. Here’s everything we know about the 2023 BMW 330e PHEV.

Exterior

The 2023 BMW 3 Series features a refreshed exterior with subtle revisions. At the front, the new model has slimmer headlights with clear contours and inverted L-shaped DRLs, a redesigned kidney grille, and a new apron, the design of which varies as per the variant selected. BMW has deleted the Laserlight option for the 3 Series’ Adaptive LED headlights in the U.S. with the MY2023 update. The company includes LED Lights with dedicated cornering lights with the Shadowline Package now, which will swivel the main lights to follow bends in the road at speeds of up to 35 mph.

On the sides, new alloy wheel wheels are available in sizes up to 19 inches. The rear-end has a more intense appearance with a more striking design for the apron. Satin aluminum line exterior trim is not standard on the 330 variants, unlike in the old 3 Series, but it is available as a no-cost option.

Interior

The interior of the 2023 BMW 3 Series has even more significant changes. The BMW Curved Display has made it to the 3 Series with the MY2023 update and now is a standard feature. A 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster and a 14.3-inch central display merge on a sleek curved panel, forming one fully digital and high-resolution unit. The central AC vents below the central display are slimmer and carry a more contemporary design in the new model.

2023 BMW 3 Series facelift interior dashboard
The 2023 BMW 3 Series Plug in Hybrid’s most noticeable change is on the inside: the BMW Curved Display. Image Source: BMW Group

BMW has updated the center console of the 3 Series as well. There are more touch-controlled surfaces on the control panel of the center console. A more elegant, button-type gear selector has replaced the traditional lever-type gear selector. Instead of High Gloss Fine Wood Ash Grey-Brown trim, Open Pore Fine Wood Oak Grain trim is now standard in the 330 variants.

The new 3 Series features BMW iDrive with the new BMW Operating System 8. The BMW OS brings the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with new skills. For example, customers can now give spoken instructions to adjust the AC or open/close a window or the panoramic glass sunroof in a natural way. New graphics appear on the display when using the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

As part of the Live Cockpit Plus, a configurable 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central display merge on a sleek curved panel, forming one fully digital and high-resolution unit. The updated 330e also comes with Connected Package Professional with Real-Time Traffic Information, On-Street Parking Information for select cities, Hazard Preview, plus BMW Remote Services which includes nifty features like Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote Door Unlock, and My BMW App.

Also new in the 2023 Series is a Dual SIM Dual Active capability with 5G connectivity. A personal eSIM and a vehicle SIM can be active simultaneously in the car. 5G connectivity provides improved data and telephone reception. The Personal eSIM is linked to the customer’s BMW ID and configures automatically on signing in with the BMW ID. On the safety front, BMW has made four parking sensors at both the front and rear of the 3 Series standard.

BMW uses SensaTec upholstery in the U.S.-spec 2023 3 Series plug-in hybrid across the range (330e and 330e xDrive). SensaTec is BMW-speak for faux leather, and it’s suitable for customers who want a durable and/or vegan interior. Customers who prefer genuine leather have the choice to specify Vernasca Leather upholstery that costs USD 1,500.

2023 BMW 330e Standard & Optional Features

Standard Equipment

  • 18-inch double-spoke light alloy wheels style 796 with all-season runflat tires
  • 8-speed Sport Steptronic transmission
  • Sport leather steering wheel
  • Moonroof
  • Power front seats
  • Open Pore Fine Wood Oak Grain trim
  • Ambient lighting
  • SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a 1-year subscription
  • Enhanced USB and Bluetooth smartphone integration
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • Sport seats
  • LED headlights and automatic high beams
  • BMW Curved Display
  • Shadowline exterior trim

Optional Equipment

  • Comfort Access keyless entry
  • Lumbar support – driver
  • Remote engine start
  • 19-inch double-spoke Bi-color orbit grey wheels, style 793i with all-season runflat tires
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Adaptive M suspension
  • Space-saver spare
  • Satin aluminum line exterior trim
  • Heated front seats
  • Black high-gloss trim
  • SensaTec dashboard
  • Vernasca Leather upholstery
  • High Gloss Fine Wood Ash Grey-Brown trim
  • Park Distance Control
  • Harman Kardon surround sound system
  • Drive Recorder
  • Wireless device charging
  • Extended Shadowline trim

Optional Packages

M Sport Package

  • 19-inch light alloy bi-color or jet black wheels style 791M on performance or all-season runflat tires
  • Variable sport steering
  • Choice of Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite trim, Open Port Fine Wood Oak Grain trim, High Gloss Fine Wood Ash Grey-Brown trim, or Aluminum trim with mesh effect
  • M Sport suspension or Adaptive M suspension
  • M steering wheel
  • Aerodynamic kit
  • Rear spoiler

Premium Package

  • Heated steering wheel
  • Comfort Access keyless entry
  • Lumbar support – driver
  • Heated front seats
  • BMW Curved Display with Head-Up Display

Specifications

The 2023 BMW 330e, like the old model, is available in RWD and xDrive AWD drivetrain layouts. It has the same engine, and there’s no apparent difference in the battery pack either. The system power and torque are 215 kW (288 hp) and 310 lb.-ft., respectively.

BMW expects the 2023 330e RWD and 2023 330e xDrive AWD to offer an EPA-est. electric range of 22 miles and 20 miles, respectively. The EPA-est. efficiency ratings could be similar to those of the outgoing model (75 MPGe for RWD and 67 MPGe for xDrive AWD).

While the outgoing model had a 9.09 kWh (net) lithium-ion battery pack, the new model has a bigger, 11.15 kWh (net) lithium-ion battery pack, as per the specification sheet published in Germany (bmw.de). However, there’s no DC fast-charging support in the new plug-in hybrid sedan either. 3.7 kW is the maximum charging input the car can accept, and the spec sheet posted on a dealer website (BMW of Warwick, Rhode Island) says the charge time is 10.9 hours @ 110/120V, and 3 hours @ 220/240V.

Aspect2023 BMW 330e Specification
Length185.9 in.
Width71.9 in.
Height56.9 in.
Wheelbase112.2 in.
Headroom38.7 in.
Legroom42.0 in. (front)/35.2 in. (rear)
Shoulder Room56.0 in. (front)/54.6 in. (rear)
Trunk Volume13.2 ft³
Drivetrain LayoutRWD/xDrive AWD
Engine2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline
Engine Power135 kW (181 hp) at 5,000-6,500 rpm
Engine Torque221 lb.-ft. at 1,350-4,000 rpm
Motor Power80 kW (107 hp)
Motor Torque195 lb.-ft.
System Power215 kW (288 hp)
System Torque310 lb.-ft.
Transmission8-speed Steptronic automatic
Battery Pack11.15 kWh lithium-ion
Max. Charging Power3.7 kW
Charging Time (0-100%)10.9 hrs (as per spec sheet on BMW of Warwick site)
Electric Range (BMW-est.)22 miles (RWD)/20 miles (xDrive AWD)
Acceleration Time (0-60 mph)5.6 seconds
Top Speed (normal tires/performance tires)130 mph/142 mph (RWD)/130 mph/ 140 mph (xDrive AWD)
2023 BMW 330e specifications for the U.S. (Source: BMW USA and BMW Germany)

Price & Release Date

The new BMW 330e entered production at the BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico earlier this year. It has been available in dealerships across the nation for a while, with inventory spotted in BMW of Silver Spring (Maryland), BMW of Warwick (Rhode Island), and BMW Seattle (Washington).

The updated model is USD 350 costlier than the 2022 BMW 330e.

Configuration2023 BMW 330e Price
2023 BMW 330e RWDUSD 43,300
2023 BMW 330e xDrive AWDUSD 45,300
2023 BMW 330e price list in the U.S.; excludes destination & handling fee of USD 995, tax, title, license, and registration.

Impending price hike

A leaked memo posted on i4Talk forum on November 30, 2022, revealed that all 2023 BMW models in the U.S. will witness an uptick in their showroom sticker. From January 2023, both 330e variants will apparently have their prices raised by USD 1,600, which represents 3.7% and 3.5% of their original value, to USD 44,900 and USD 46,900, respectively.

Readers would also be interested in learning the company is developing an all-electric BMW 3 Series which is expected in the U.S. market in 2025.

2023 BMW 330e FAQs

What is the 2023 BMW 330e release date?

The BMW 330e facelift will likely go on sale in the U.S. in late Q3 2022.

What will be the 2023 BMW 330e price?

The 2023 BMW 330e will cost USD 43,300 (excl. destination & handling fee) onwards.

Which models will be the BMW 330e competitors?

The 2023 330e will rival the Volvo S60 Recharge T8 in the U.S.

Featured Image Source: BMW