2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 OVERVIEW

The BMW 3-Series has long reigned as the enthusiast's choice in a small luxury car. And a new model for 2013 -- the ActiveHybrid 3 -- puts a distinctly performance-oriented spin on the hybrid concept.

The ActiveHybrid 3 pairs BMW's famed TwinPower 3-liter inline-6 with an electric motor to pump out 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. This combination launches the ActiveHybrid 3 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Acceleration like this comes at the cost of somewhat mediocre fuel economy. An ActiveHybrid 3 returns 25 mph city and 33 mpg highway -- an improvement of only a few miles per gallon on a conventional 335i.

The ActiveHybrid 3 comes in a single trim level with standard features like Bluetooth connectivity, power seats and steering-wheel-mounted controls. BMW also offers a number of option packages: Luxury Line, Modern Line, Sport Line, M Sport Line, Driver Assistance Plus, Driver Assistance, Premium, Dynamic Handling and Technology.