2013 BMW Activehybrid Three

The BMW ActiveHybrid March 2013 is just arrived and is exactly what is expected of her: a 3 Series sedan with a hybrid engine.

Fuel economy made possible by the combination of electric motor and twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol should be established when the car is available for sale in the fall and we can test it extensively. However, the benefits of advanced electronic supplementary motor assistance are being felt on the roads in Bavaria.

The combined power of the hybrid system of 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque facilitates handling and all that can be channeled by various driving modes offered by BMW that adapt to the driver’s preferences. Like the new Touring 2013, the ActiveHybrid offers a selection of modes “Eco” and “Sport”.

Of course, I myself have spent much time in Sport mode (and Sport Plus). Well, how many times do I have the opportunity to enjoy the autobahns near Munich? So have fun! The car has excellent acceleration (it almost seems to have a discrete eight-cylinder engine under the hood), but ultimately, the ultimate goal of a hybrid is fuel economy.

The car turns into a silent traveler strictly electric mode only when it can reach an amazing speed before the gasoline engine does not get involved. BMW has estimated this rate at 75 km / h when driving in “Coasting” figure I’ve never managed to achieve, I would have still got an average of 35 km / h and that, while having air conditioning running directly to the battery (when fully charged.)

According to BMW ActiveHybrid allows the fuel economy of 25% when compared to the model with the same engine, but gasoline only. Yield plausible if we consider only modes “Eco Pro” or “Coasting”. Mode “Coasting” (or “Cruise”) disconnects the gasoline engine to the driveshaft, even to turn it off completely so to travel without any issue. The most interesting is that the mode “Coasting” allows the vehicle strictly electric mode speeds up the 160 km / h (under ideal conditions.)

This option is part of the range offered by the button of the Control Driving Experience (in English “Control Driving Experience”) function available on other BMW models such as the 3 Series Touring). This forms part of the generous groups amenities offered as standard or optional on the 3-Series ActiveHybrid.

The electric motor was installed in the gearbox and rear-seat space has been saved since the lithium-ion battery was placed under the chest, between the rear wheel arches. Which also preserves a boot space similar to the gasoline model.

In general, the ActiveHybrid 3 shows no real sign of compromise in performance and handling when compared to the regular 335i. It will even be available with the same versions and options (Sport, Modern, Luxury and there will even be an option for Mr. adaptive suspension)

Have high aspirations for the German engineering marvel when it will enter the market in the fall, at an initial price of $ 58.300.