derBayerische March/April 2022 - 38

2 0 2 2 B M W 3 3 0 e
exude a quiet yet luxurious feel. With
today's LED technology, lighting has
become a design element and the
BMW designers have successfully
used this new element to enhance the
luxury feel, whether in the day or at
night.
The 2022 BMW 330e's interior
best shows the results of Rolls Royce
cross-breeding. Once characterized
by their monochromatic look, that
color scheme yielded an unintentional
feeling of coldness even though
BMW interiors had the luxurious
tactile feel and refinement.
One cannot help but think that it
was the Rolls Royce influence that
helped develop the " cognac " interior
color. Even with Sensatec upholstery,
that color brightened every BMW
interior while exuding a confident,
luxurious feel. All the interior materials
connoted a sturdy, well-built
design while maintaining a very
pleasing tactile feel. And at night, the
interior lighting created a luxurious,
upscale environment
The 2022 BMW 330e Fits
Like a Practical Glove. When
one thinks German, one thinks practical
and purpose-built. But it took a
while for the Germans to understand
that Americans " live " in their vehicles
and more importantly, want their
vehicles to have the ability to do anything.
So, when the Munich leadership
allowed both the BMW NA sales
and marketing group and the North
America BMW Technology Center to
have an increased role in product
planning, the " Ultimate Driving
Machine " also became the " Ultimate
Single Vehicle Enthusiast Driving
Machine " .
The 330e features a large, practical
rear opening that reveals a very
large, practical shaped cargo area.
The 13-cubic-foot cargo area is
enhanced with a hidden storage compartment
as well as individually folding
rear seats, which expand the
cargo area to 17 cubic feet. This is a
perfect size and shape for " big box "
warehouse shopping trips, golf outings,
mountain biking trips, hiking
trips, a weekend at the track (either as
a participant or as a spectator), or for
long duration driving vacations.
That " hidden " storage area is
also where the tool kit - now consisting
of a dual use screwdriver and tow
hook - is located.
The driver and all passengers
have access to practical-sized cup
holders. All door panel storage areas
are large and are designed to carry
standard-sized water bottles in an
upright fashion.
The center console storage
areas are designed to readily accommodate
today's personal electronic
devices. The front and rear passengers
have access to power from
traditional 12-volt cigar lighter, USB,
■ Whether for work or play, the 330e fits like a glove.
and USB-C outlets.
The 2022 BMW 330e is as
Cozy as A Pair of Warm Mittens.
Northern California autumns and
winters are known for their cold,
chilly mornings. Thanks to the individual
seat heaters, heated steering
wheel, and the three-zone climate
controls, the driver and all the
passengers will quickly have a
comfortable, individually-controlled
environment - whether one has the
Sensatec or leather upholstery.
The 2022 BMW 330e Fits
Your Wallet. Our evaluation
vehicle was " typically " equipped with
the M-sport package and a Premium
package, which pushed the MSRP
close to $60,000. That being said, a
hybrid vehicle makes the purchaser
eligible for a $5,800 tax credit. And
there are a variety of ways to finance
or lease the 330e to make it comfortable
for the typical BMW buyer.
Savings on the operating costs
is where the 330e stands out. In
Northern California, premium gasoline
now sells for well over $5.00 a
gallon, with many locations charging
close to $5.50 a gallon. With the
hybrid powertrain, we averaged a
combined 37 miles per gallon during
our week-long, 1000-mile evaluation.
That's about three to four miles
per gallon better than the 330i.
Now, one does need to factor in
the cost of purchasing and installing
a Level 2 charger, as well as the convenience
of finding such a public
charging station. The prices for the
home Level 2 chargers are decreasing.
However, since we tested an i3
REx from a few years back, the charging
station infrastructure in both the
Silicon Valley and in the Sacramento
area has not significantly changed
(yes, the idiocy of California mandating
the sale of nothing but EVs without
providing for an adequate infrastructure
is just so California). We
did find that some of the more
upscale hotels and some San
Francisco parking lots offer complimentary
Level 2 charging. However,
we found the portable Level 1 charging
unit included with the 330e
38
■ (Top) Why the 330e makes sense
in California. (Above) The lengths
we'll go to do reviews for dB!
woefully inadequate to fully charge
the battery.
The fuel savings alone, though,
especially in California and in other
high gas tax states, makes the 330e
very wallet friendly.
With the 330e's sunroof and
windows open, I enjoyed a near-convertible
driving experience with family
as we traversed the Marin Highland
roads. While stopping to admire the
views of the Golden Gate bridge with
the Oakland-San Francisco Bay
Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San
Francisco skyline as the background,
I realized that the following day I
would be in full " work " regalia, in a
suit and driving to an upscale high
rise office building that features valet
parking for a " power " meeting. And
while the 330e fits the " power executive "
aura, it also fits as the right vehicle
to tackle the backroads to ensure
that I have an enjoyable day.
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derBayerische March/April 2022

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