BMW 3 Series 330e iPerformance hybrid gallery

Unlike other models in the range, it's only available in saloon form – there's no Touring estate available

It competes directly with the Mercedes C-Class C350e plug-in hybrid.

Central to its appeal is a low official CO2 output of 49g/km

This places it in the lowest Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company car tax bracket

Quoted fuel economy of 134.5mpg also helps to contain running costs

Although very much geared in favour of company car drivers, private buyers will find lots to like, too

It's a lot quicker than the 330i with which it shares an engine...

... the addition of an electric motor brings the 0-62mph time down to 6.1 seconds

The electric motor also improves pickup from a standstill – acceleration feels immediate

The effect is also felt when overtaking, where it adds to the muscular feel of the car. 

Other 3 Series attributes are preserved – including the car's excellent, well-balanced rear-wheel drive chassis

This means that drivers are bound to enjoy themselves behind the wheel

Apart from the specialist M3 sports saloon, only the most powerful diesel and six-cylinder petrol 3 Series models are faster