Having been on sale since the 2019 model year, it was only a matter of time before the current-generation BMW 3 Series family expanded with a new electrified variant to replace the outgoing 3 Series Hybrid. Last year, BMW lifted the wraps off the all-new 330e hybrid for Europe, and now the US version has finally been unveiled.

Arriving in dealers this May, the BMW 330e and 330e xDrive pack a 2.0-liter twin-turbo engine developing 181 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an electric motor producing 107 hp and 77 lb-ft of torque. Combined, this setup develops up to 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with XtraBoost, which enhances power and performance when the throttle pedal is depressed to the kick down position. Available in Sport mode, XtraBoost provides an immediate 40 hp power increase for up to 10 seconds, allowing the electrified sedan to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds. The xDrive version, on the other hand, is 0.1 seconds slower off the line.

Both models top out at an electronically limited 130 mph when equipped with all-season tires, but this increases to 142 mph with summer performance tires and 140 mph for the 330e xDrive model. As standard, the BMW 330e and 330e xDrive Sedans are equipped with a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission with a new optimized hydraulic control system and shorter gearing for improved response and acceleration.

Located under the rear seats is a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides an EPA-rated electric range of 22 miles for the BMW 330e Sedan and 22 miles for the 330e xDrive Sedan. As for the economy, the rear-wheel-drive 330e Sedan has an estimated 75 MPGe rating, while the all-wheel-drive version is estimated to deliver 67 MPGe.

In the Hybrid driving mode, the new BMW 330e and 330e xDrive Sedans can be driven up to 68 mph on pure electric power, an increase of 19 mph over its predecessor. Switching to Electric mode increases the speed up to 87 mph, up from 75 mph in the last-generation 330e. For pedestrian safety, an exterior speaker system generates a distinctive sound created specifically for electrified BMWs when driving in electric-only mode at speeds up to 20 mph.

Standard safety tech includes frontal collision warning with city collision mitigation and lane departure warning, while the optional driving assistant package adds blind spot detection systems, rear collision protection and cross-traffic alert.

Pricing for the 2021 BMW 330e starts at $44,550, while the xDrive will set you back at least $46,550 plus a $995 destination charge.