BMW ActiveHybrid 3

                                                          

      2012 Geneva Auto Show: BMW ActiveHybrid 3

          










       


he official debut of the hybrid version of BMW’s best selling sports sedan, which also happens to be the world’s best too, is drawing ever closer with the 2012 Geneva AutoShow just a couple of days away.  
The company has made the world droll over the ActiveHybrid since last year, but since many months have passed, it is likely a reminder is in order. So, without further ado, let’s refresh that memory, shall we?

First, you should calm down because, even though, the car is officially being launched in March, European showrooms will not be seeing it until autumn arrivers. That means we have to comfort ourselves with just a few pictures and the thoughts of how grand the ActiveHybrid 3 will be. And we have every reason to think it will be exactly as its makers are advertising it to be.

Next, let’s take a look at the engine. Well, the same petrol engine the 2012 335i had is fitted here, as well. Not that there is a problem with the 6 cylinder TwinPower Tubo, far from that. This unit develops some 300 horses, and is mated with a smaller electric engine that adds another 55 horsepower to the mix, for a total of 335 horsepower. Yes, in Bavaria 300+55 equals 335, but its BMW we are talking about, so we can overlook the math in this case. Torque comes in close to that figure at 300 lb-ft.  
A premiere will take place on the medium class premiumcar in that BMW will equip an 8 speed automatictransmission on the ActiveBybrid. If we are to listen to the Germans, we will find out that this is the first car that has included Active Hybrid technology form the very beginning of its design process. It’s good to know that this technical solution was not an adaptation to an existing platform. 

As usual, when breaking the electric engine acts like a generator which refills the batteries. The batteries, by the way, are located under the trunk. This fact is reflected in the lower volume allotted towards baggage, from 480 liters (17 cubic feet) in the normal version to 390 liters (14 cubic feet). 
As far as fuel economy is concerned, we only have BMW word to go by, and that is the hybrid is 12.5 percent more fuel friendly than the standard 3 Series. Independent tests still need to be carried out, but on a European cycle it is estimated the ActiveHybrid will yield 6.4 l/100 km (36.7 mpg roughly).

Also, on electricity alone the car will be able to travel some 4 km (2.5 miles), if going easy on the acceleration pedal; no higher than 60 km/h (38 mph). 

Naturally, the interior will have a lot of goodies to look forward to: high creature comforts and a lot of technology to spice things up. Blue Tooth, Internet and the latest infotainment systems have to offer will be featured. 
If your roads do not cross Geneva the following month, stay tuned for any updates on this subject, and others.