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This battle of the hybrids by Autocar gives us insight on which among the current choices actually is the best in terms of the important feats: efficiency, technology and driving dynamics. Facing off in this review is the BMW 330e iPerformance, Audi A3 e-tron, Volkswagen Passat GTE and the Volvo V60 D5 TwinEngine.
The Volvo V60 TwinEngine has a fully independent electric axle and a rear axle run by an electric motor and battery through its own gearbox. This rear electric motor can power the car independently of the diesel engine up front or work with it. The motor on its own makes 67 hp and when combined with the engine, the Volvo makes 228 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. It gets from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds and gets a combined 156.9mpg. It also has the furthers pure electric range in the test, with 31.1 miles thanks to its 11.2 kWh battery, which is also biggest in the test.
The BMW 330e is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine up front with an 87 hp electric motor that drive an eight-speed automatic and delivers 249 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. With both powertrains running, the BMW 330e can get from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. When running on pure electricity, it can go 23 miles thanks to its 7.6 kWh battery. Combined fuel economy is 148.7mpg.
Volkswagen’s Passat GTE is the biggest among the choices. It is powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor to make a combined 215 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox delivers 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds. Its 9.9 kWh battery gives a 31 mile range. Combined fuel economy is 166.0mpg.
The Audi A3 e-tron uses a 1.4 liter engine with an electric motor. Combined power is 201 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 is achieved in 7.6 seconds. It also has a pure electric range of 29.8 miles from its its 8.8 kWh battery and gets 166.2 mpg combined.
All things considered, Autocar says that the BMW 330e is the best hybrid car to drive. It gives the fastest performance while being very enjoyable to drive due to its powertrain. They even say that the 330e is the best driving 3 Series on the market!
