BMW 3: Positioning

With the new BMW 330e, BMW is adding another innovative model type to The Ultimate Driving Machine. It is another vehicle of the new Hybrid Generation 4.0, which have primarily higher ranges than their predecessors.

The BMW 330e, with the development code G20 PHEV, is based on the G20.

Technically, hybrid generation 4.0 is mostly based on the drive technology used in the BMW iPerformance models (Hybrid Generation 3.0). The G20 PHEV is a full hybrid vehicle with lithium-ion high-voltage battery unit, which can, for example, be charged via an AC domestic socket outlet.

The abbreviation PHEV in the development code stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

The continuous further development of hybrid drive systems as part of Efficient Dynamics is aimed at increasing the share of electrical power used in driving. In order to guarantee the brand-typical dynamics, unrestricted everyday practicality and the greatest possible long-distance capability, the BMW Group relies on so-called high electrification. Special features of the future Power eDrive technology include significantly more powerful electrical machines as well as a doubling the capacity of the high-voltage battery unit.

G20 PHEV hybrid drive

1. Combustion engine B46B20O1
2. Electric Motor Electronics (EME)
3. Electric motor
4. Automatic transmission GA8P75HZ
5. High-voltage battery unit
6. Convenience charging electronics (KLE)
7. Charging socket
8. Electrical Heating (EH)

The drive system of the G20 PHEV comprises a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with TwinPower turbo technology (B46B20O1), an 8-speed automatic transmission (GA8P75HZ) with an integrated electrical machine. The main advantage of the hybrid technology used in the G20 PHEV is of course the further increase in drive power compared with the conventionally powered BMW 3 Series, together with lower fuel consumption.

The electric drive of the G20 PHEV enables all-electric driving and thus emission-free driving at speeds up to 140 km/h (87 mph). The maximum electric range is 66 km (41 miles).

The driving and drive system modes have been merged and simplified. With the newly assigned Driving Experience Control in the G20 PHEV, the driving modes ADAPTIVE, SPORT, HYBRID and ELECTRIC can be selected. Each of the last two driving modes can be individualized with regard to efficiency or dynamics. With the ELECTRIC driving mode, the G20 PHEV runs with all-electric driving at up to 140 km/h (87 mph).

An innovation is the XtraBoost featured as standard in the new BMW 330e Sedan, which lends the vehicle its most dynamic character. Upon activation of SPORT mode it can be quickly called up using the driving experience switch. To support the combustion engine in dynamic driving situations, the electric motor with the XtraBoost delivers up to 30 kW(41 hp) in addition to its continuous output.

This means that the drive characteristics typical of the BMW 3 Series Sedan are available. This includes for the first time in a hybrid model from BMW an extremely sporty yet precise accelerator pedal characteristic curve, as well as a specific shift program of the 8-speed Steptronic transmission including braking downshifts. The clearly noticeable Boost function ensures superior traction, thus creating a unique and very sporty driving experience. The XtraBoost can be used up to the minimum state of charge of the high-voltage battery unit. It is also available for a kickdown, as well as in the M/S switch position of the selector lever.

As already mentioned, the G20 PHEV is a BMW Hybrid Generation 4.0 vehicle. All vehicles of this generation and Generation 3.0 are both plug-in hybrid vehicles and full hybrid vehicles with a lithium- ion high-voltage battery unit. The Generation 3.0 and Generation 4.0 vehicles are listed below in a graphic based on the information available in April 2019.

BMW hybrid vehicles from 2014

1. The BMW X5 xDrive40e (development code F15 PHEV) became available at the end of 2015.
2. The BMW 330e (development code F30 PHEV) is available as of spring 2016.
3. The BMW 740e, and 740e xDrive (development code G12 PHEV) are available as of summer 2016.
4. The BMW 530e (development code G30 PHEV) is available as of spring 2017.
5. The BMW 745e, and 745e xDrive (development code G12 LCI PHEV) are available as of summer 2019.
6. The BMW 330e (development code G20 PHEV) is available early 2020.

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