What's the difference?
Audi would probably prefer you not to realise this, but the five distinct versions of S4 and S5 on the market all pertain to a single performance and equipment formula spread across five different bodystyles.
Yes five, and this has been the case for more than a decade, with the S4 sedan and Avant wagon, A5 two-door Coupe, convertible Cabriolet and five door liftback Sportback all representing vastly different shapes for you to choose from, with the same underpinnings. This simply echoes the A4 and A5 ranges they’re based on of course, and BMW clearly thought it was a good idea too, given the 3 and 4 Series ranges were split into individual lines at the start of last generation.
Mercedes-Benz offers a similar array, minus the liftback, but is happy to wrap the whole lot under the C-Class label.
So, given that the A4 and A5 range scored a mid-life update a few months ago, it’s only logical that the changes flow on to the performance S4 and S5s, with the top-tier RS4 Avant following suit.
We’ve covered the latter in October, and now it’s the turn for the former, and CarsGuide was among the first to drive the updated S4 and S5 ranges at their Australian media launch last week.
A hybrid BMW 3 Series makes sense now that everything is going electric. And the BMW 330e M Sport is the plug-in hybrid version of the 330i petrol variant. What's not to like, then?
Well, that's what we're here for because this review of the BMW 330e M Sport will reveal everything we've discovered about the car and will help you decide if it really does make sense to make it your next car.
We've covered everything from practicality to on-road performance, features and prices. And yes, we've run a fuel test to see just how efficient this plug-in hybrid is to live with in the real world.
The S4 and S5 range continues to represent a great formula for performance you can live with every day. They're arguably the sweetest balance Audi produces, actually. All come fantastically equipped, with cabins that feel truly special, and weβre lucky they can be had in a choice of five bodystyles. Β
The 330e M Sport is an excellent car, but it could be a much better hybrid.
In Australia, where driving distances can be vast, a car that's as comfortable and easy to live with as this one is welcome. But for the electric range to dissipate so quickly, and not recoup again at a fast enough rate without plugging into a charger, is disappointing.
There are other plug-in hybrids, even among the more affordable mainstream brands, which can return charge to the battery incredibly quickly and effectively on the go.
If you are looking to make the step into a hybrid, then perhaps consider a fully electric car. There isn't a battery electric 3 Series on the market in Australia (yet), but BMW does sell the iX1 small SUV for less money than a 330e or the iX3 for a tad more.
Both are pure electric SUVs and have a range of between 400-500km. You'll never need petrol again, which makes a hybrid seem outdated.