Autocar magazine is well-known for its exquisite tests and auto comparisons, with lots of exclusive models within different ranges to be put for the ultimate challenges.

With four main hybrids to dominate the mid-range segment at the moment, Autocar wanted to find out which one deserves the best appreciationa: the BMW 330e iPerformance, Audi A3 e-tron, Volkswagen Passat GTE or the Volvo V60 D5 TwinEngine?

For that, it had to take into consideration the exceptional driving dynamics of each model in question, power drivetrains, fuel-efficiency figures and full electric mile range.

Starting with the gorgeous BMW 33-e iPerformance, the plug-in hybrid model uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot and an 87 horsepower electric motor, delivering a total of 249 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This allows a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, a 23-mile range of full electricity, as well as a combined fuel-economy of 148.7 mpg.

Next, the Audi A3 e-tron comes with the same 1.4-liter as the Passat model, adding however a less performance electric motor. The overall 201 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque makes the car run 29.8 miles on pure electricity, while the 100 km/h sprint is done in 7.6 seconds. It also come with a fuel-economy of a combined 166.2 mpg.

Volkswagen`s Passat GTE is the next in line, the good-looking saloon featuring the Group`s newest 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, for a total of 215 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The drivetrain allows it to take off from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, adding a pure electric range of 31 mile, thanks to a 9.9 kWh battery. It also comes with a mixed fuel-efficiency of 166.0 mpg.

Finally, the Volkswagen V60 D5 TwinEngine comes with a fully-independent electric axle, with the rear axle being powered by an electric motor with 67 horsepower alone. Combined with the combustion engine, it develops a total of 228 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, and a 100 km/h sprint done in 6.9 seconds. The pure electric mile range is set 31.1 miles, while the mixed consumption stands at 156.9 mpg.

You get to decide which one is the best between all-four exquisite hybrids, but judging by Autocar`s official figures, it seems that the BMW 330e iPerformance leads the way!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Battle of Hybrids: BMW 330e iPerformance, Audi A3 e-tron, Volkswagen Passat GTE and Volvo V60 D5 TwinEngine appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

A year has past with a lot of innovations on the auto market concerning the plug-in hybrid and electric segments. And what better way to reward the most outstanding models in the sector than nominating them at the 2016 Green Car of the Year awards?

The event is hosted at this year`s 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show which opens its gates in around a week, with GrenCarJournal already announcing the five finalists. And as expected, BMW takes the lead with the all-new 330e iPerformance.

Speaking about this year`s event, Ron Cogan, Editor and Publisher at GreenCarJournal, explains the transformations on the auto market that has led to the development of the most advanced and exquisite models in the plug-in hybrid and electric sector.

“This year’s Green Car of the Year finalists clearly represent the momentum that electrification is experiencing in the auto industry. Whether it’s all-electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or a combination of these powertrains plus conventional gasoline engines within a model line, electrification is now considered by most automakers an essential technology for current and future high-efficiency models”.

On the top of the list is BMW`s 330e iPerformance model, which comes with a powerful plug-in hybrid consisting of a 2.0-liter inline flat-four cylinder engine and an electric motor, delivering a total of 284 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is also done in 5.9 seconds, at a topping of 225 km.h. The model also comes with a range of 14 miles on electricity alone, at a top speed of 121 kmh.

Next is the Chevrolet Bolt with an estimated EPA of 238 miles, while the third model from the list, the Chrysler Pacifica, can go up to 30 miles on electric model, while the range increased to 530 miles.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW 330e iPerformance Leads the Battle of the 2016 Green Car of the Year appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The BMW 3-Series Sedan hasn’t received a proper attention for quite some time, but now the German based carmaker has finally launched the all-new plug-in hybrid 2017 330e iPerformance in the United States, where can be bought from $44,695 in the entry-level variant.

For that price, you will get the cutting edge technology that a genuine plug-in hybrid has to offer on the market today. The first standout thing is the advanced hybrid system equipping the 330e iPerformance, consisting of a four-cylinder gasoline engine tweaked with BMW`s TwinPower Turbo and an e-drive electric motor. The entire hybrid powertrain is backed by a 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery.

The performance figures are quite impressive for a hybrid version: 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, allowing an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a fine 5.9 seconds, at a topping of 140 km/h.

Another standout feature is that the high-voltage battery allows a range of 14 miles, at a top speed of 75 mph. After that, you can use the car`s i Walbox Level II 240V charger to refill the battery at any power socket within two hours and 30 minutes.

Besides the good performance figures, the 2017 BMW 330e iPerformance also comes with a rear-wheel drive layout, an eight-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission with shift paddles, and two driving modes: Sport and Sport+.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 2017 BMW 330e iPerformance Officially Launched in the US appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.