BMW has updated its big-selling 3-Series and has finally dumped diesel models for the UK. Meanwhile the PHEV has new bigger batteries which increase the official electric range to 63 miles – 22 miles more than the outgoing model. 

However, this falls short of the 70 mile figure needed to shift the 330e into a lower Benefit-In-Kind tax bracket, meaning it is still in the 8% band. This contrasts with its arch rival, the Mercedes C300e which rates at just 5%.

The extra miles have come from a new 19.5kwh battery, which has grown 7.5kWh from the old 330e. The powertrain consists of a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, which generate a combined system output of 288bhp. 

Although the high-voltage battery’s usable energy has nearly doubled, the amount of space in the interior and load compartment remains unchanged, as does fuel tank capacity. 

The charging technology has also been upgraded, with three-phase AC charging at up to 11 kW available for the first time in a a plug-in hybrid from BMW. This enables the high-voltage battery to be fully recharged from empty in 2 hours 15 minutes. 

The new 3-Series has also had chassis tweaks to improve comfort and an upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect. There are also some subtle design modifications for the exterior and interior, with new paint finishes and alloy wheel designs. Inside, there are redesigned steering wheels and a new instrument panel. 

The new 3-Series will go on sale in late summer 2024, with prices for the 330e PHEV starting at around £47,500. 

Exterior styling changes are minimal