BMW 330e

FIRST UK DRIVE Facelifted PHEV is still a top business choice

- John Mcllroy

BMW is loading up its range with pure-electric variants of many models, but the brand still relies on plug-in hybrid tech for a few of its key vehicles. That's the case with the 3 Series, because while you can, of course, pick the all-electric i4 hatchback, you'll need to stick with the 330e PHEV if you want a saloon or Touring estate.

It's the saloon version of the car that we're testing here - and on UK roads, after the facelifted 3 Series impressed us on the continent. The recipe looks a solid enough one on paper; the 330e (in this case, a four-wheel-drive xDrive edition) mixes a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for a total output of 288bhp and 420Nm. Those are decent numbers in a car of the 3 Series's size, and even though there's a little extra weight because of the system's 10.5kWh battery, this is still an executive saloon that can sprint from 0-62mph in less than six seconds.

Efficiency, of course, is where PHEVS score highest - on paper and your tax return, at least. Company-car choosers will be pleased to know that the 330e sits in the 12-per cent band of Benefit-in-Kind, thanks to the ability to run for up to 36 miles on electricity alone, and CO₂ emissions of as little as 34g/km (our optioned-up press example manages 38g/km). By contrast, pick a regular 320i and you'll be looking at a Bik rate of at least 34 per cent.