The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 comes equipped with a hybrid powertrain that adds 35 horsepower to the standard 3-liter six-cylinder engine. One of its cool gasoline-saving features allows the optional navigation system to monitor your planned route and save the electric power for those portions of your trip where an extra boost is most needed, such as climbing long hills.
What's New for 2014
The current ActiveHybrid 3 is little changed from its first year in 2013. However, the sport leather steering wheel is now standard and the BMW Teleservices and eCall packages are now offered as an option with the available navigation system.
Choosing Your BMW ActiveHybrid 3
As part of BMW’s 3 Series, the ActiveHybrid 3 is similar in many respects to the other models in the lineup. What sets it apart is the hybrid powertrain that includes the 300-horsepower 3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder from the 335i and a 55-horsepower electric motor powered by a 1.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Together, the two power sources produce 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission tuned specifically for the hybrid system maximizes efficiency. Two 12-volt conventional batteries round out the system, with one powering the starter while the second battery runs all the other electrical systems in the car.
The ActiveHybrid 3 includes all the customizing options offered for all 3 Series models, including the Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport packages.
- The Luxury Line includes four possible wheel choices. Three are 18-inch alloy wheels while the fourth is a 19-inch style available at an additional cost over the package price. Inside, this line includes Dakota leather upholstery with exclusive stitching and other trim details.
- The Sport Line gives the ActiveHybrid 3 a sportier appearance with sport seats upholstered in black SensaTec or Dakota leather and high-gloss black trim. The package also includes a choice of three 18-inch wheels or an additional 19-inch wheel.
- The M Sport package also includes sport seats with SensaTec or leather upholstery but adds the M steering wheel and exclusive exterior colors.
In addition to the three lines, several optional packages allow you to further customize your ActiveHybrid 3 with an assortment of features. The Premium package upgrades the standard SensaTec upholstery to Dakota leather and adds keyless entry along with satellite radio. For buyers living in colder climates, the Cold Weather package is a welcome choice with heated seats all around, a heated steering wheel and retractable headlight washers.
Several technology options come bundled together in the Technology package that features enhanced Bluetooth with smartphone integration, a head-up display and a navigation system with a touchpad. Two packages that assist the driver with parking and driving functions include the Driver Assistance package, with a rearview camera and parking sensors front and rear, and the Driver Assistance Plus package. This second package enhances the basic Driver Assistance by adding active lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring along with exterior cameras that give top and side views.
Finally, the Dynamic Handling package offers the driving enthusiast variable sport steering and adaptive M suspension.
You can also add various options on an individual basis, such as a Harmon Kardon surround-sound audio system or the navigation system. Further comfort and convenience options include manual shades for the rear windows, heated front seats, parking assistance and active cruise control. Automatic high beams, top- and side-view cameras, M Sport brakes and a Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters are also available.
Choose Your BMW ActiveHybrid 3 >>
Unlike mainstream hybrids, the primary purpose of premium hybrids like the ActiveHybrid 3 is enhanced performance without any penalty at the gas pump. The BMW's green credentials aren't impeccable, but an argument can still be made.