BMW Group UK was once again successful at this year’s What Car? Electric Car Awards, taking home four prized category wins across the Group’s electrified model portfolio.
The BMW 330e, i7 and i8 each secured the win in their respective class. Whilst once again the MINI Countryman PHEV won at the awards, topping the Best Hybrid Small SUV category.
For a second year in a row the BMW 330e, powered by the combination of a 2.0 litre petrol engine and an electric motor producing 292hp, took home the illustrious ‘Best Used Hybrid Executive Car’ award. Steve Huntingford, Editor, What Car? said, “If you buy used, the 330e costs less than key rivals. Yet it’s more entertaining than any of them to drive, thanks to sharp, well-balanced handling. It’s a comfortable car, too (particularly if you buy an example equipped with the M Sport Pro Pack), and all versions come with an infotainment system that’s wonderfully intuitive.”
With What Car? believing “BMW’s flagship saloon is undoubtedly one of the most complete cars on sale today” the BMW i7 has added ‘Best Electric Luxury Car’ to its growing tally of awards. Offering a cutting-edge digital experience with the BMW Theatre Screen and BMW Interaction Bar, the BMW i7 combines striking style with a luxurious interior to lead its segment. What Car? states “It combines superb ride comfort and effortless performance with a long range and fast charging. What’s more, it’s hugely spacious and available with a rear entertainment system that offers audio and visuals worthy of the best cinemas.”
Launched in 2012, the BMW i8 was a trailblazer in the performance car segment and continues to impress over 10 years on, collecting the ‘Best Used Hybrid Performance Car’ at the 2023 What Car? Electric Car Awards. Steve Huntingford said, “It may have been discontinued, but the BMW i8 still looks like the future. And in many ways it feels like it, too, with its lightweight construction boosting performance, agility and efficiency. Our advice would be to buy one while you can, because we think prices are only going to go up.”
Finally, the MINI Countryman PHEV reclaimed its title as ‘Best Hybrid Small SUV’, with What Car? judges applauding its “smart interior design” and class-leading build quality. Huntingford summarises, “The Countryman takes the style of the traditional Mini hatchback and applies it to a much more practical, family-friendly package,” with a pure electric range that is “easily long enough for the school run.”
