BMW recently revealed the 2021 330e plug-in hybrid, along with an all-wheel-drive variant, the 330e xDrive.

The new sedan sports a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo engine with 181 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 N·m) of torque, paired with an electric motor cranking out 107 hp and 77 lb-ft (104 N·m) of torque. A 12 kWh (9.09 kWh net) battery pack is located underneath the rear seats. Electric range is estimated at 22 miles (20 miles for the xDrive version), and MPGe is estimated at 75 (67 for the xDrive). Acceleration from 0-60 is 5.6 seconds (5.7 seconds for the xDrive).

Both versions feature an 8-speed Sport Steptronic transmission that intelligently adapts its shifting strategy for different driving situations. For example, the transmission can use data from the navigation system and radar sensor to avoid unnecessary gear changes when negotiating fast corners, or to downshift when approaching a vehicle ahead.

There’s a huge array of standard and optional driver assistance systems, including Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go braking function, Frontal Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Collision Protection, Cross-Traffic Alert, Parking Assistance, and (one I’d really like to try) the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant.

The standard Active Protection for Pedestrians features an exterior speaker system to generate “an unmistakable sound created specifically for electrified BMWs” when operating in electric mode at speeds up to 20 mph.

Both models are scheduled to go on sale in the US in May. MSRP is $44,550 for the 330e and $46,550 for the 330e xDrive (plus a $995 destination charge).

Motor Authority notes that BMW was previously expected to launch an all-electric 3 Series, but that model has probably been dropped in favor of the upcoming i4, which is scheduled to launch in 2021.

Source: BMW via Green Car Congress