BMW ActiveHybrid 3 expands 2013 3-Series range

The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 has been unveiled, becoming the first 3-Series to be offered as a hybrid. It also happens to be quicker than the BMW 335i.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 offers 340 hp and 450 Nm of torque from its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-6 and electric motor combination. That allows the hybrid to do the 0-100 kph run in 5.3 seconds, a 0.2-second improvement over the 335i, according to BMW. A lithium ion battery pack sits in the boot, with a rated output of 675 Wh. Power is sent to the rear wheels from the dual drivetrain through an 8-speed automatic gearbox that shares its outer casing with the 55-hp electric motor.

BMW says, the ActiveHybrid 3 can travel up to 4 km only on electricity alone at speeds of upto 74 kph, though not at the same time. It can manage 5.9 litres/100 km of fuel consumption, not particularly impressive for a hybrid, but it is a performance model.

Designed for Europe, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is unlikely to be offered in the GCC, though it may eventually show up in the UAE if there is enough interest in hybrids.