2016 BMW 330e
The 2016 BMW 330e is a plug-in hybrid sedan. It has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 hp (185 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.8 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2016 BMW 330E
The 2016 BMW 330e is the first plug-in hybrid version of the sixth-generation 3 Series saloon (F30). It combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor housed in the eight-speed automatic transmission, for a combined 248 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm). It is rear-wheel drive, and the EPA rated its all-electric range at 14 miles (about 23 km).
New for 2016
The 330e reached US showrooms during 2016 as part of the facelifted 3 Series range, effectively replacing the non-plug-in ActiveHybrid 3. Its lithium-ion battery can be charged from a household socket or a Level 2 charger, and the driver can choose between AUTO eDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE and SAVE BATTERY modes to decide when electric power is used.
Everyday use
For short commutes with regular charging, much driving can be done without using petrol, and the electric motor adds strong low-speed response. On longer journeys it behaves like a conventional 3 Series. The trade-offs are a raised boot floor, which reduces luggage space, a smaller fuel tank than other 3 Series models, and extra weight.
Buying one today
Check that the car has a working charging cable and that the battery still delivers a sensible electric range; a reduced range indicates capacity loss. Ask whether any hybrid-system software updates have been carried out, and confirm the 12-volt battery is healthy, as weak batteries cause warning lights on many BMWs of this era.
Rivals
The 330e’s main plug-in rival was the Mercedes-Benz C350e, while the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron offered a smaller, front-drive alternative.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 330e |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2016 | Version / Trim | BMW 2016 330e |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Estoril Blue Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic, Sunset Orange Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 2,000 cc |
| Power | 248 hp / 185 kW | Torque | 420 Nm / 310 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.8 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Range / Economy | 28 mpg city / 36 mpg hwy | ||
| Electric Range | 14 miles (23 km) | Max Charge Rate | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,810 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,590 kg (3,505 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2016 SEDANS
Compared with other 2016 sedans in our database, its 248 hp is 12% less than the average 2016 sedan (283 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.5 seconds quicker than average.
| 2016 BMW 330e | Average 2016 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 248 hp | 283 hp (169 cars) | -12% |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 374 Nm (169 cars) | +12% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.8 s | 6.3 s (168 cars) | -8% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 140 mph (168 cars) | +11% |
| Kerb weight | 1,590 kg | 1,654 kg (192 cars) | -4% |
| Engine size | 2,000 cc | 2,866 cc (175 cars) | -30% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2016 sedans with similar power to the 2016 BMW 330e.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW 330e | 248 hp | 5.8 s | 1,590 kg |
| 2016 Jaguar XF | 247 hp | 5.1 s | 1,750 kg |
| 2016 Kia Optima FE | 245 hp | 7.2 s | 1,430 kg |
| 2016 Audi A6 | 252 hp | 6.0 s | 1,705 kg |
| 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD | 241 hp | 5.0 s | 1,620 kg |