The BMW ActiveHybrid 3: When Enhanced Efficiency meets increased dynamics.

Singapore. BMW Asia has announced the launch of the BMW ActiveHybrid 3, which sees the BMW ActiveHybrid technology resulting in a significant boost in driving enjoyment while substantially reducing fuel consumption and emissions once again.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is powered by a 306 hp six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and comes with a maximum torque of 400Nm between 1,200 and 5,000 rpm. The foundation of its powertrain starts with the award-winning unit found in the BMW 335i that is renowned for its free revving capability, pulling power and efficiency. Coupled with the electric motor, the combined system output can generate up to 340hp and a maximum torque of 450Nm from 1,200 to 5,000 rpm.

Its electric motor is supplied with energy by a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated underneath the luggage area while still maintaining practicality with folding rear seats. Power from the two drive systems is transferred to the rear wheels by the eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition to its full-hybrid construction, which enables purely electric and therefore local emission-free driving in urban conditions or when coasting, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 boasts not just highly sporty performance but also a 18 percent improvement in fuel economy over the BMW 335i.

“BMW has developed its intelligent hybrid drive technology to the next level with this further ActiveHybrid production model. This full hybrid is highly efficient and is further able to operate solely on electric power for zero-emission whilst driving around town. At the same time, it is also capable of very sporty performance comparable to that of the dynamic-driving BMW 335i,” said Mr Neil Fiorentinos, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia.

Superior efficiency:

ECO PRO mode including coasting and intelligent energy management.

In order to exploit the potential of the BMW ActiveHybrid technology, the intelligent energy management of the power electronics uses a host of innovative functions to ensure the drive system runs efficiently. Charging of the high-performance battery primarily takes place during coasting or braking, the electric motor performing the role of a generator feeding energy into the high-voltage battery. By contrast, under acceleration the electric motor takes on a boost function. Here, it assists the petrol engine by generating an ultra-dynamic burst of power, lending the BMW ActiveHybrid 3’s sporty driving experience a sharper edge.

Moreover, while coasting at speeds of up to 160 km/h in ECO PRO mode, the combustion engine can be switched off and fully decoupled from the transmission. This coasting mode combines comfortable driving with optimum utilisation of the kinetic energy already generated. To avoid periods with the engine running at idle at junctions or in traffic tailbacks, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 deploys its hybrid start-stop function.

Design:

Sporty elegance with individual accents.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 sees the sporty yet elegant body design of the BMW 3 Series Sedan complemented by bespoke touches which highlight its innovative drive technology. The “ActiveHybrid 3” lettering on the C-pillars and at the rear, along with the matt chrome exhaust tailpipes, set the exterior apart from the other models in the range. Further accents come courtesy of the standard satin-finish window surrounds and the BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow features in the side graphic. Also available as standard are 18-inch Streamline light-alloy wheels displaying exceptional aerodynamic efficiency.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 also stands out visually with door sill strips bearing “ActiveHybrid 3” badge, an aluminium plate on the gearshift lever knob with the same ID, and a bespoke engine cover. In addition, all three Sport, Modern and Luxury Lines as well as the M Sport package are available for the ActiveHybrid 3.

High-grade standard fittings, wide-ranging options.

The selection of interior colours, upholstery and interior trim elements reflects the range offered for the other BMW 3 Series Sedan variants. Added to the standard-fitted array of comfort-enhancing features is also a two-zone climate control system with stationary air conditioning. A wide range of driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive mobility services, as well as virtually all the other optional extras available for the conventionally powered BMW 3 Series Sedan, can also be optionally specified for the BMW ActiveHybrid 3.

Production at BMW Plant Munich.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will be produced at BMW Plant Munich alongside other BMW 3 Series models. The integration into the production process of BMW ActiveHybrid technology is underpinned by the efficient combination of state-of-the-art automated process engineering and the skilled craftsmanship of specially trained employees.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 in Singapore will come standard with the following features: Rear view camera, Park Distance Control (front and rear), Surround View, Park Assistant, and Harman Kardon Surround Sound system, just to name a few.

Source: BMW Asia