xDrive 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan
2021 BMW 330e
The 2021 BMW 3-Series is a compact luxury sedan that's been a benchmark for decades thanks to the thrust under its hood, good handling, a composed ride, an excellent interior, and conservative styling. After a redesign in 2019, BMW now stretches both ends of the 3-Series lineup, with two new models for 2021: a plug-in hybrid 330e using a 288-hp turbo-4 mated to batteries and a motor, and a wild high-performance M3.
Other changes for 2021 are small, including standard lane-departure warnings on all models, and some changes in available trim.
The base 330i uses a 255-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 that's either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive in the xDrive versions, and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The M340i uses a turbo-6 making 382 hp, mated to that same 8-speed.
The new 330e has an all-electric range of 22 miles, and, with 33 more horsepower than the 330i, it's expected to be quicker.
The new M3 is a beast with a turbo-6 making as much as 503 hp, using an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox.
The 330i is EPA-rated at 26 mpg city, 36 highway, 30 combined, with the XDrive model getting about 2 mpg less.
BMW says to expect 75 MPGe from the 330e, or 28 mpg combined. The EPA estimates the electric-only range to be about 22 miles.
The M340i sedan can achieve as much as 32 mpg on the highway.
The M3 hasn't been EPA-rated yet, but BMW estimates 23 mpg highway.
Premium fuel is required.
The 2021 has aced its crash tests so far. The IIHS calls the 3-Series a Top Safety Pick. Automatic emergency braking is standard, although other safety equipment is optional and expensive. For example, upgraded LED headlights, and adaptive cruise control that allows limited hands-free driving.
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After a redesign in 2019, BMW now stretches both ends of the 3-Series lineup, with two new models for 2021: a plug-in hybrid 330e using a 288-hp turbo-4 mated to batteries and a motor, and a wild high-performance M3.
Other changes for 2021 are small, including standard lane-departure warnings on all models, and some changes in available trim.
The base 330i uses a 255-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 that's either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive in the xDrive versions, and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The M340i uses a turbo-6 making 382 hp, mated to that same 8-speed.
The new 330e has an all-electric range of 22 miles, and, with 33 more horsepower than the 330i, it's expected to be quicker.
The new M3 is a beast with a turbo-6 making as much as 503 hp, using an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox.
The 330i is EPA-rated at 26 mpg city, 36 highway, 30 combined, with the XDrive model getting about 2 mpg less.
BMW says to expect 75 MPGe from the 330e, or 28 mpg combined. The EPA estimates the electric-only range to be about 22 miles.
The M340i sedan can achieve as much as 32 mpg on the highway.
The M3 hasn't been EPA-rated yet, but BMW estimates 23 mpg highway.
Premium fuel is required.
The 2021 has aced its crash tests so far. The IIHS calls the 3-Series a Top Safety Pick. Automatic emergency braking is standard, although other safety equipment is optional and expensive. For example, upgraded LED headlights, and adaptive cruise control that allows limited hands-free driving.
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| Engine | I-4 |
| MPG | 25 Combined |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 8-spd w/OD |
| Power | 180 @ 3800 rpm |
| Drivetrain | xDrive all wheel |
