BMW 330e review: interior, dashboard & comfort
A recent facelift has further modernised the 330e's classy and well-built cabin
Recent BMW interiors haven’t been the most exciting out there, but they are renowned for blending the latest technology with high quality materials – and this is certainly the case for the latest 3 Series.
BMW 330e dashboard
In-keeping with the 3 Series’ driver-focused nature, the majority of the 330e’s controls are directed towards, well, the driver. There are very few physical buttons, with most of the controls being accessed via the centre touchscreen – for better and for worse.
The 330e’s cockpit isn’t as flashy as the Mercedes C-Class’, but some may prefer the less fussy design of the BMW. We wish BMW had refrained from burying the climate controls within the centre screen, but we like how drivers have a choice of operating the infotainment system via the centre rotary dial or the touchscreen itself.
Equipment, options & accessories
The 330e is offered in two distinct flavours: Sport and M Sport, each available with either BMW's traditional rear-drive layout or the brand's 'xDrive' four-wheel-drive system.
As standard, cars specified in Sport trim get full-LED exterior lighting, 17-inch alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors, Sensatec leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
M Sport trim is the top seller and adds larger 18-inch alloys, plus a racier M Sport bodykit. Extra touches continue inside where the M Sport car boasts part Alcantara suede upholstery, sports seats and a model-specific steering wheel. Opting for M Sport trim also nets you uprated brakes as well as lower, stiffer sports suspension.
Infotainment, apps & sat nav
One of the most dramatic changes for the latest 3 Series facelift is the introduction of BMW’s iDrive OS8 infotainment system, as seen in the fully-electric i4 and iX. This comprises a 12.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen mounted alongside each other in what BMW refers to as a ‘Curved Panel’.
The setup overall is incredibly vibrant and responsive to your inputs, plus it comes as standard with built-in sat nav (with live traffic updates), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our only real gripe – aside from the climate control situation – is that we wish the digital dials were a tad more configurable. Some of the menus could be a little easier to navigate, too.
