BMW Asia and Performance Motors Limited have announced the availability of the new BMW 330e sedan which combines a plug-in hybrid system with the sports sedan's core attributes.

The plug-in hybrid system pools the abilities of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and the talents of an electric motor, which generates a peak output of 111bhp, to deliver a maximum system of 288bhp. Together, the two drive sources also produce maximum system torque of 420Nm.

Emphasising the 3 series' traditional sporty angle is XtraBoost, which unlocks and additional 40bhp for up to 10 seconds following a stamp on the accelerator pedal once 'SPORT' mode is activated with the Driving Experience Control switch.

The result highlights the signature powertrain character of the BMW 3 Series sedan with a more intense experience of acceleration than any conventionally powered vehicle with comparable output can offer.

The BMW 330e sedan sprints from zero to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds and will reach a top speed of 230km/h. In the 'HYBRID' driving mode, the new BMW 330e sedan can hit speeds of up to 110km/h on electric power alone - an increase of 30km/h over its predecessor.

'ELECTRIC' mode meanwhile opens the door to locally emission-free driving up to 140 km/h.

With a gross energy content of 12kWh, the lithium-ion high-voltage battery in the BMW 330e sedan enables an increase in electric range of more than 50% over its predecessor, while cutting fuel consumption and emissions by over 15%. The combined-cycle electric power economy of the new BMW 330e sedan is 6.5km per kWh.

The high-voltage battery in the new BMW 330e sedan is mounted under the rear seats, while the petrol tank sits over the rear axle. This means the plug-in hybrid's cargo-carrying ability is only slightly reduced, and the load capacity of 375 litres can be expanded as required thanks to the 40:20:40 split/folding rear-seat backrests.

The full selection of innovative driver assistance systems from the Driving Assistant Professional to the Parking Assistant including reversing assistant is also available. Remote activation of the air conditioning is also possible with the BMW 330e sedan.

The new BMW 330e sedan is currently offered with the Luxury Line package. The car is now available for viewing at the Performance Motors Limited showroom.