AUSTRALIA is slowly waking up to the benefits of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and full EVs, but relatively high pricing, no incentives and sporadic infrastructure mean it’s going to be a while before EVs have a real impact on the local new-car market.

Toyota and Lexus do well with their various hybrid models and Tesla has captured a very specific early-adopter buyer, but Australians remain a bit ambivalent towards plug-in hybrids.

Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV has gained a handful of buyers, but cars like the Holden Volt were killed off due to lack of interest.

Like its two main German rivals, BMW believes plug-ins can work in Australia and, to prove it, has launched an electrified X5 SUV and a 3 Series PHEV dubbed the 330e tested here.

After one week with the sprightly 330e sedan, we reckon they might be right.

Click here for the full review...