2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 3

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The gains in both performance and efficiency are a textbook example of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy in action. The new BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is the fourth production model in which a model-specific intelligent combination of internal combustion engine and electric drive provides extra dynamism while at the same time significantly slashing fuel consumption and emissions. In the BMW ActiveHybrid 3, ActiveHybrid technology has for the first time been integrated into the vehicle architecture right from the start. Amongst other things, this meant that a lot of space was saved.

The powertrain of the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is closely tailored to the sporty personality of the new BMW 3 Series. It features a 306 hp six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a hybrid-specific eight-speed automatic transmission with integrated electric motor which for limited periods can increase power by up to 54 hp. Maximum combined output is 340 hp, with a maximum combined torque of 332 lb-ft (450 Newton meters). This high-powered, high-performance combination nevertheless returns low fuel figures. Average consumption in the EU test cycle is expected to be less than 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (44.1 mpg imp). That means the ActiveHybrid technology in the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 offers fuel savings of around 12.5 per cent compared with equally powerful conventionally driven BMW sports sedans.

The electric motor supplies the six-cylinder petrol engine with supplementary driving power and can provide a boost function when extra-dynamic performance is required. This adds a further edge to the driving experience in the BMW ActiveHybrid 3. BMW ActiveHybrid technology also allows the vehicle to run solely on electric power. In this zero-emission, virtually soundless driving mode, the vehicle can cover a distance of around 2 to 2.5 miles (between three and four kilometers). Top speeds in all-electric mode range from 37 mph (60 km/h) under load to almost 100 mph (160 km/h) on overrun (coasting). When the driver applies more throttle, the internal combustion engine is engaged automatically, then disengaged on overrun. During overrun and braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is used to charge the battery. This is the same principle as the Brake Energy Regeneration function on the regular models, although on the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 the amount of energy recuperated by the electric motor is many times greater.

Efficient and seamless integration between the internal combustion engine and electric motor is ensured by the central power electronics, which provide intelligent, proactive energy management to further improve overall system efficiency. In terms of utility and interior adaptability, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 shows no significant differences from the other models in the series, since its high-voltage battery is integrated under the floor of the boot. With boot space of 390 liters and unrestricted through-loading functionality, there are no concessions on the car's high standards of comfort and convenience.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will celebrate its premiere in Autumn 2012.