This is the new BMW 330e plug-in hybrid saloon

BMW has announced a new addition to its seventh-generation 3 Series line-up, and this is it: the 330e saloon.

It’s a hybrid. Which means it pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine up front to an electric motor for a maximum output of just under 250bhp and 310lb ft of torque. Not too shabby.

That’ll see the 330e saloon get to 62mph in six seconds flat, and onto a top speed of 143mph. BMW tells us it’ll be possible to go a heady 68mph on EV power alone, which is 18mph more than the previous hybrid 3 Series.

Ah yes, the EV bit. The motor is built into the eight-speed automatic gearbox, there’s regenerative braking feeding energy back into the boot-mounted lithium-ion battery, and it’ll travel up to 37 miles on its electricity alone. Combined fuel consumption is a claimed 138mpg, and 39g/km of CO2.

There’s a Sport mode, of course, and hitting this activates something called ‘XtraBoost’, which definitely doesn’t sound like an energy drink. Sport mode activates all the power and maps and toys to make it feel like a 3 Series should feel.

Indeed, BMW has engineered in a “suitably throaty” engine noise when you’re pelting along, as well as a noise to alert pedestrians when in EV mode. Lots of driver aids – including satnav with charging recommendations – are included too.

It’ll go on sale in July 2019, prices TBC. And yes, there’s only one picture of it.