Our new long-termer, the plug-in hybrid version of BMW’s compact executive estate, is proving both practical and efficient, says Martyn Collins

BMW 330e M Sport xDrive Touring

P11d (BiK): £44,265 (11%) CO2: 41g/km Test: 38mpg

Any sadness at the departure of my last long-termer, the Mercedes-Benz A 250e, was soon forgotten when this BMW arrived. The future might be electric, but the plug-in version of our favourite compact executive still plays a key role in BMW’s fleet line-up.

So far, the 330e has impressed me at how easily it fits in with my family life, all four of us sit comfortably in what is a high-quality, well-equipped (in M Sport trim) and well-designed cabin.

Yet, when I’ve needed to, I’ve been impressed with what I can get in the 495-litre boot, which can be extended with the handy 40:20:40 split/fold rear seat. Two children’s bikes and my children are the record so far.

As you’d expect from a BMW, it doesn’t disappoint on the road either, the petrol/electric performance is sharp – yet electrification has brought more than 450 miles between fill-ups – which I hope to improve on.