It’s easy to think that the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 car is for cashed-up Greens Party members. But what BMW offers with its latest addition to the 3 Series range of cars is a fast sports sedan for drivers who want as much power as they do green smarts.
The $97,700 BMW ActiveHybrid 3, despite its eco-conscious appearance, is the fastest model in the 3 Series range, except for M3.
The 3 Series hybrid shares its 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged petrol engine and the 335i. The ActiveHybrid 3, powered by a 40kW electric engine and a high voltage lithium-ion battery, has a total system output (250kW/450Nm) of 5.3 seconds. This allows it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.
This is two-tenths faster than the $91,400 BMW335i and even faster than the Porsche Boxster.
The hybrid feels fast right out of the gate and displays none of the restraint usually associated with large hybrids. It is a hybrid that doesn’t feel like a hybrid. This is especially true in the Sport and Sport Plus modes.
Turbo lag is eliminated thanks to the electric motor’s full complement of torque (210Nm) starting from a standing position.
The engine’s wide torque band makes in-gear acceleration just as powerful, delivering maximum torque of 400Nm at speeds between 1200-5000 rpm. The electric motor adds 50Nm to the mix. A light touch of the throttle at 80 km/h will produce a sensational acceleration that doesn’t stop.
ActiveHybrid 3 comes with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. This is a remarkable piece of hardware and software. You won’t be caught in the wrong gear regardless of driving style. Gear changes are smooth and dual-clutch-style fast.
You can switch from the default Comfort mode into one of the Sport modes, and it will make things even more fun. The throttle response is sharper, and shift points are held at near redline.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Eco Pro makes maximum use of the electric engine in pursuit of efficiency. It also features a highway “coasting” function that uses smart technology to shut down the engine and disconnect it from the transmission, allowing silent, zero-emission operation at high speeds.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 can run around town on just electric power, reaching 75 km/h and a range of four kilometres as long as the battery pack has been fully charged and the throttle is controlled smoothly.
The all-electric propulsion proved to be very useful when searching for parking spots in shopping malls or streets.
The seamless transition from engine power to electric power or a combination thereof for maximum performance is even more impressive. It all happens so seamlessly and smoothly that you don’t even notice it.
It’s almost the same experience as with the ActiveHybrid 3 standard stop-start system – it’s practically invisible from the cockpit.
ActiveHybrid 3’s efficiency-enhancing technology makes it 25% more green than the 335i (3.9 litres per100km versus 7.9L/100km). However, this is only if you include peak-hour crawling in your daily driving routine.
However, we were unable to reach the official figure. Instead, we recorded an average of 10.5L/100km over a week, including suburban and enthusiastic trips.
BMW has tuned the hybrid to perform best, so it will be more difficult than you think to resist the temptation to use the reasonable throttle when conditions allow.
This powerplant emits a powerful snarl that can be heard throughout the rev range. You can still enjoy the high-tempo burble even at idle.
BMW cars have been known for their excellent ride and handling. The ActiveHybrid3 delivers on all counts.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is the fastest F30-generation 3 Series sedan. However, it still features the MacPherson Strut upfront suspension setup and a five-arm rear axle suspension setup.
It’s a fast sedan with a great performance, but it doesn’t feel as streamlined as it should. It can feel a little too sloppy on uneven roads, with too much chassis movement and a tendency for the car to thump over bigger bumps.
Otherwise, the ActiveHybrid3 provides a comfortable ride in town and on freeways.
BMW offers adaptive dampers starting at $1400. However, the M Sport Suspension doesn’t exist on the ActiveHybrid 3, even with the optional M Sport Package fitted to our test vehicle.
The car turns in well, even though the hybrid weighs 135kg more than the standard 335i.
The electric power steering offers a lot of grips but not as much feel as we would like.
While stopping power at high speeds is impressive, the brake pedal force at low speeds is inconsistent and linear. This characteristic is often associated with ActiveHybrid 3 regenerative brake systems.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is just like all 3 Series sedans in comfort, space, and practicality.
Boot space is a big surprise. Despite the hybrid’s battery pack being under the boot floor, there is plenty of it. However, that doesn’t mean there’s any space for a spare tire, even a space-saver.
The 60:40 split-fold rear seat provides enough space to store the 6ft 6in a surfboard.
The legroom in the rear seat is especially generous, and the storage space around it.
The ActiveHybrid3 is also well-equipped, with a wide range of equipment, including bi-xenon headlights and interior and exterior mirrors with antidazzle function. Full leather trim, front- and rear parking sensors, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen for satellite navigation. Harman Kardon’s 600-watt audio system produces great sound through 16 loudspeakers.
$6100 M Sport adds a set of sports leather seats with a bolstered, well-padded design, 19-inch alloy wheels, M Leather steering wheel, and other design elements inside and outside.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 has five-star safety ratings from ANCAP. It comes standard with six airbags and stability control, brake assist, ABS with brake assistance, and corning brake control.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3, which is currently the only petrol-electric vehicle on the market, will remain the dominant player until the all-new Lexus IS300h during the third quarter of 2013.
Although we aren’t convinced that it is worthy of any environmental awards, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is our favourite performance hybrid.