BMW insists that plug-ins are for the now and EVs are for the later. It’s partially why it made all of those commercials knocking the Tesla Model 3 while promoting the BMW 330e. It seems as though most of the Germans are of the same opinion, as well. Volkswagen being one of them (although VW’s green reputation isn’t necessarily sterling), with the new Volkswagen Passat GTE. Both the 330e and Passat GTE use four-cylinder petrol engines mated to electric motors and get similar range/economy numbers. So Auto Express put the two together to see which German EV was best.
It’s sort of odd that these two cars are being compared with each other. If neither of them had hybrid powertrains, no one would think about putting these two in the same class. The Volkswagen Passat is a front-wheel drive family sedan with the driving dynamics of a sedated sloth. The BMW 3 Series, on the other hand, is a rear-wheel drive sport sedan. Not necessarily competitors.
But the Volkswagen Passat GTE and BMW 33oe are both hybrids with similar powertrains and cost around the same money. Oddly enough, the Passat GTE is more expensive than the 330e, despite being in a class below it, in terms of quality and luxury. Nevertheless, let’s see how these two get on.
The BMW 330e packs a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed auto, as well as an electric motor to drive the rear wheels. It develops a combined 248 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and can get from 0-60 mph in just 6.2 seconds. Volkswagen’s Passat GTE uses a 1.4 liter turbocharged four-pot, with a six-speed auto, and an electric motor to make 215 hp and 295 lb-ft. It’s capable of 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds, so it’s a bit slower than the 330e. Though, the Passat is the more efficient car of the two, returning 51.9 mpg compared to the 330e’s 47.2 (both on the generous EU Cycle).
Overall, Auto Express gave the Passat the win, despite its worse performance and higher cost. The reason being that its pure electric range is further and easier to use and its front-mounted charging port makes it easier to charge in tight parking garages. It’s also more practical, more spacious and comes with more equipment as standard.
The BMW 330e came in second place but was said to be the hybrid for people who like to drive. The 330e is definitely the sportier car of the two and the nicer to drive. It’s also cheaper to own outright, which is nice, considering it’s a BMW 3 Series and not a VW Passat. However, its lack of options and electric range cost it the win here.
[Source: Auto Express]
