[eddiehaug]

So, I know, it's a hybrid, you're supposed to drive as low emissions as possible. I think it's important, and I'll do so.

However, this one has 2 motors, and it's supposed to be able to generate 292HP. The question, however, is: do you ever get to use all those 292 horses pulling you forward? And if you do, how is it done?

[SteveinArizona]

Some of that is extra boost. But if you are driving in auto mode, you will get all the HP posted (and probably more as BMW sandbags its HP ratings) if you hit the accelerator hard.

So the short answer: simply step on it.

[mlcgd21]

You will only access the 292 hp if you:
1. Drive in xtraboost mode
2. Drive in sport mode
3. Drive in other modes but with the gearbox in S or M

if you drive in regular Hybrid auto mode and floor it, it will only deliver 252 hp max.

[SteveinArizona]

I agree. I was referring to getting all 250 HP. To get the XTRAboost, one needs to be in sport mode. It will last for 10 seconds.

While I would love more power, especially the six cylinder inline engine, I have not lacked adequate power including the ability to easily pass cars on a steep hill going up where the speed limit is 65 mph.

Of course, if you are going to track the car...........

[mlcgd21]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

I agree. I was referring to getting all 250 HP. To get the XTRAboost, one needs to be in sport mode. It will last for 10 seconds.

While I would love more power, especially the six cylinder inline engine, I have not lacked adequate power including the ability to easily pass cars on a steep hill going up where the speed limit is 65 mph.

Of course, if you are going to track the car...........

In the 330e "inside" the Sport mode you have Xtraboost, Sport, and Sport Individual, you change between them by pressing the Sport button.

I drove the 530e and now I have the 330e, of course there's not a huge difference in performance, the 330e is stronger in higher rpms because of the xtraboost (+40 hp between 5000-6500 rpm), but up until 4000 rpm they feel more a less the same in terms of acceleration, in handling they are very different though.

[BMW 330E M-Performance]

Push 2 times to sport mode button and you are directly into boost mode=292 hp
soon mine have 340 hp and 550 nm, in boost 380 hp

[KyleKatarn]

Originally Posted by mlcgd21

In the 330e "inside" the Sport mode you have Xtraboost, Sport, and Sport Individual, you change between them by pressing the Sport button.

I drove the 530e and now I have the 330e, of course there's not a huge difference in performance, the 330e is stronger in higher rpms because of the xtraboost (+40 hp between 5000-6500 rpm), but up until 4000 rpm they feel more a less the same in terms of acceleration, in handling they are very different though.

Can you ellaborate on those handling differences? I'm also from Portugal and have some experience driving the 530e. I'm due to collect a 330e soon.

[eddiehaug]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the insight.

I also used to have the 530e, a 2018 one, and I never liked the handling, it felt really heavy and bulky at times. It's an awesome car, but I hope the 330e is more nimble and more fun to drive.

I was asking the question out of curiosity really, since I won't be driving in a track or too fast either, I just wasn't sure whether that power was really available or if it was just more of a theoretical maximum.

[mlcgd21]

Originally Posted by KyleKatarn

Can you ellaborate on those handling differences? I'm also from Portugal and have some experience driving the 530e. I'm due to collect a 330e soon.

The adaptive M suspension on my 330e almost doesn't roll, even in comfort setting, it corners flat and the steering is more direct. The 530e with adaptive M suspension rolls even in sport mode, feels like a much heavier and bigger car, even though it isn't much heavier. You clearly feel the different character of the two models.

[Darkfiber]

Originally Posted by BMW 330E M-Performance

soon mine have 340 hp and 550 nm, in boost 380 hp

... and no warranty Hope your 14.000 euro gearbox doesnt break

[sd_dracula]

Originally Posted by mlcgd21

The adaptive M suspension on my 330e almost doesn't roll, even in comfort setting, it corners flat and the steering is more direct. The 530e with adaptive M suspension rolls even in sport mode, feels like a much heavier and bigger car, even though it isn't much heavier. You clearly feel the different character of the two models.

Was talking to the dealer and they were saying the 530e and the F30 330e were just normal chassis designed for petrol/diesel engines in mind and then they slapped a bunch of batteries on them, hence the poor handling.
Which is not the case with the G20 330e and I remember going for a test drive with the salesman and he encouraged me to floor in a bunch of corners haha

[deeJayOg]

I was replying in another post as this is the same dilemma I have that not even BMW can clarify (or at least BMW employees) properly.

Sport Mode + Shifter in S still seems like 292hp to my mind. But I have no official support from anyone to confirm this.

It would seem weird as to why BMW also put Xtraboost as a mode when you can also get Sport + S to do the same on kickdown.

Then again...

I also find it frustrating to go through modes while driving. Driving in Sport + D when I usually need this. If I have to to an overtake, I simply move the Shifter in M/S and it's go time. I don't want to drive in Sport, then click Sport Individual, then Xtraboost , then move Shifter to M/S to get a full power on a kickdown.

I mean, what the hell?

[narvi21]

Originally Posted by mlcgd21

The adaptive M suspension on my 330e almost doesn't roll, even in comfort setting, it corners flat and the steering is more direct... .

I can absolutely confirm mlcgd21 description: due to family pressure (environment!!!...), we changed from a 13 years old Porsche 911 to a 330eX Touring, and its suspension is amazing! Maybe at 250-300km/h the Porsche would be better, but at normal legal limit speeds, with enthusiastic driving, it feels equal (if not more) confident than the Porsche, while being much more comfortable than the Porsche.

Amazing how much the suspension technology developed in the last decade (and how good a job BMW did with the G-series !)
The F-series was a different story, I changed from that to the Porsche, and it was a night and day improvement in terms of suspension improvement.
Now changing back to BMW I feel it is another improvement, which is quite a compliment to BMW...