KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 26): German luxury car maker BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation today, introduced its second locally-assembled hybrid vehicle, the new BMW 330e with eDrive technology, to mark the occassion.

The new hybrid is the 12th model to join the car maker’s portfolio of locally-assembled vehicles at the group’s assembly facilities at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park, said BMW Group Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), Han Sang Yun.

“The BMW Group have been the pioneering force in the automotive industry, with a clear focus on Mobility of Future. In celebration of our 100 years of visionary innovations, as well as Sheer Driving Pleasure, we are not only recognising how far we have come in establishing a legacy of pioneering mobility, but are also reaffirming our commitment to continue fortifying that legacy for the next 100 years,” he said.

The launch of the new BMW 330e, he added, is a testament to both the legacy of the BMW brand and future-oriented mobility.

"Since its inception, the BMW 3 Series sedan has been challenging boundaries and standards in its class, without forsaking its identity as an iconic driving machine," said Han.

According to Han, the BMW 330e continues to drive the future of mobility by pioneering hybrid technology and cutting-edge engineering, as it extends the next chapter of BMW EfficientDynamics, through exemplary efficiency and uncompromised power.

"Equipped with a state-of-the-art electric motor which works synchronously with a BMW TwinPower Turbo engine, the new BMW 330e is set to deliver an unparalleled driving experience to meet an infinite spectrum of driving needs," he added.

According to the car maker, the high-voltage battery of the new BMW 330e offers a gross energy capacity of 7.6 kilowatt hour and can be topped up with energy from any domestic power socket.

"Full charge by the conventional domestic power socket would take 5 hours. The BMW Wallbox Pro, meanwhile, offers a quicker charge time of 3.5 hours," it said.

The hybrid is priced at RM248,000 (on the road, without insurance), after taking into account government-approved hybrid incentive of RM120,000.