Fast Facts: G20 BMW 330e M-Sport Launched in Malaysia

BMW PHEVs are not uncommon in Malaysia. Thanks to EEV incentives, 27% of new BMW and MINI vehicles sold in Malaysia in 2019 are electrified. Since its launch, the BMW 330e has found its way into many Malaysian homes. 

Along with the range topping BMW M340i xDrive, BMW Malaysia has also launched the G20 BMW 330e M Sport to fill the space between the 330i M Sport and 320i Sport. At RM264,613, it’s almost RM22,000 cheaper than the 330i M Sport with similar kit. 

What’s outside?

Apart from the badge and the charging flap, the G20 BMW 330e M Sport is nearly identical to the 330i M Sport. Cladded in the same M Sport exterior package like the latter, it comes with:

• 18-inch double-spoke Style 790 M two-tone alloy wheels

• BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line

• Twin high-gloss chrome tailpipe finishers

• M Aerodynamics package

• Colour Options: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Portimao Blue, Mineral Grey, and Sunset Orange

What’s inside? In terms of kit, the interior is carried over wholesale from the 330i as well. Standard equipment 10.25-inch centre touchscreen and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The operating system is BMW Live Cockpit Professional system, which does an exceptional job of integrating Apple CarPlay into the whole user experience - though the Apple CarPlay still requires a one-time subscription fee. Other interior kit includes:

• tri-zone automatic climate control

• 10-speaker, 205-watt sound system

• Aluminium Tetragon interior trim finishers with Pearl Chrome highlights

• Leather Vernasca upholstery – in Black or Cognac

• M leather steering wheel

• M-specific pedals

• Sport seats for the driver and front passenger

• hands-free opening boot lid

How fast? In the G20 330e M Sport, ICE duties are fulfilled by the same B48 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-potter found in the 320i. To qualify for that 30 on the last 2 digits of its badge, it has to rely on its 12kWh lithium-ion battery.  The car offers almost twice the full-electric range of its predecessor at 56km, it also travels up to 140km/h in pure electric drive, 20km/h more than before. The most significant difference compared to before is the Xtraboost feature that provides 40hp more during acceleration, pushing it to nearly 300hp at 292hp.  It takes up to 6 hours for a full charge with a standard Malaysian 240-volt domestic AC power outlet, or 3.6 hours with an AC wallbox or 3.7kW public charger. 

• Engine: 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol 

• Electric motor: 50kW (68hp)

• Transmission: 8-speed automatic

• Total Output: 252hp (292 with XtraBoost) 

• 0-100km/h: 5.9 seconds

• Top Speed: 230 km/h

While the interior and exterior are largely identical to the 330i M Sport, exclusive to the 330e M Sport is an adaptive M suspension with various levels of damping, a welcomed feature for both passengers and driver. 

How Safe? The BMW 330e M Sport comes with 6 airbags, reverse camera, and Dynamic Stability Control, which includes traction, cornering brake, and dynamic brake controls. It also gets the Driving Assistant package like the rest of the 3 Series model line-up: 

• front collision warning with brake intervention

• lane departure warning

• lane change warning

• rear crossing traffic warning

• rear collision prevention

• Parking Assistant with Reversing Assist system

How Much?  The BMW 330e M Sport goes for RM264,613 OTR without insurance until 31 December 2020. After that, it will be revised to its original recommended retail price of RM268,800. 

As with any BMW sold via official channels, the car comes standard with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline. Buyers who signed the dotted line before 31 December 2020 will also enjoy an 8-year or 160,000km warranty for the hybrid battery.