2018 BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrid Sedan

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Rating8.3

Ranked #2 in 

Compact Sedan
Write Review
$45,600
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on July 15, 2022

ProsConsWhat's New

Powerful engine offering competitive fuel economy and smooth ride quality.

Limited trunk space.

Only a few minor changes in its features and options.

Responsive handling with user-friendly features.

The interior has started showing its age.

Interior quality and comfortable cabin.

Specs & Features

$45,600

price

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

horsepower

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

torque

8-Speed Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl RWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Armed with a 2.0L Turbocharged Inline 4 engine and a 7.6 kWh battery, fused to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the 2018 BMW 3 Series PHEV makes 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Standalone, the engine makes 184 horsepower while the electric motor manages 87 horsepower. This powertrain helps the BMW 3 Series PHEV cover 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. You can drive the 3 Series PHEV for 14 miles on the electric system alone, making it good for small trips in the city. Combined, the 3 Series PHEV achieves an impressive 71 mpge combined while getting 30 mpg from the traditional engine alone. With a base price of MSRP of $45,600, the 3 Series PHEV makes a formidable competitor in the compact sedan segment, competing with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C 350e, the Toyota Avalon hybrid, and the Volvo S60 recharge.

Buying Advice

The 2018 BMW 3 series PHEV is one of a kind sedan and is extremely desirable due to its fantastic 71 mpge fuel economy. Other than its fuel efficiency, there are also plenty of user-friendly driving aids available that raise its practicality even further. With a base MSRP of $45,600, it's perhaps the best hybrid vehicle in its segment.

Trims

    330e iPerformance
    $45,600 onwards
    • Optional above-cabin storage
    • Reinforced front axle
    • Standard or extended bodies available

Compare to similar cars

Price

$45,600

Engine

plug-in-hybrid

Rating

8.26

Horsepower

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$75,095

plug-in-hybrid

7.87

335 hp

432 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

$47,900

plug-in-hybrid

7.92

275 hp

443 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

$63,650- $68,150

plug-in-hybrid

8.42

400 hp @ 6000 rpm

472 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm

5

Read Review

2018 BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrid Sedan vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    5.6 sec14.1 sec130 mph
    5.2 sec13.8 sec152 mph
    5.8 sec--
    6.7 sec15.3 sec130 mph

    2018 BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrid Sedan vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      SourceCompare
      28 mpg34 mpg30 mpg10.8 gal.
      45 mpg61 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.
      70 mpg72 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.
      25 mpg30 mpg26 mpg15.6 gal.

      2018 BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrid Sedan vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        182.8 in.80 in.56.3 in.5.5 in.110.6 in.
        204.1 in.74 in.58 in.7 in.122.4 in.
        200.1 in.79.5 in.57.1 in.6 in.120.5 in.

        2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid

        Ranked #3

        192.7 in.73.9 in.58.2 in.5 in.108.3 in.
        184.5 in.79.5 in.56.8 in.5 in.111.4 in.

        2018 BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrid Sedan vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          13 cu.ft.130.5 cu.ft.72.2 cu.ft.
          10.6 cu.ft.106 cu.ft.10.6 cu.ft.
          13.5 cu.ft.--
          11.8 cu.ft.--

          2018 BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrid Sedan vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            72.2 cu.ft.13 cu.ft.72.2 cu.ft.76 ft.
            20.8 cu.ft.10.6 cu.ft.10.6 cu.ft.-
            -11.8 cu.ft.--
            -13.5 cu.ft.--

            2018 BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrid Sedan vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              780 lbs.3915 lbs.
              -4579 lbs.
              -3924 lbs.
              -4537 lbs.

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