In autumn 2012 a further model will join the BMW 3-Series. In the new 3 ActiveHybrid - a full hybrid at the premium end of the sports sedan class - the innovative BMW ActiveHybrid powertrain technology and the sporty personality of the BMW 3-Series meet and merge with highly dynamic and efficient results. The combination of the six-cylinder petrol engine and electric drive produce unrivalled driving enjoyment, combined with even better fuel consumption and emissions figures, and further intensify the sporty yet fuel-efficient driving experience that lies at the heart of the new BMW 3-Series. The gains in both performance and efficiency are a textbook example of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy in action. The new BMW 3 ActiveHybrid is the fourth production model in which a model-specific intelligent combination of internal combustion engine and electric drive provides extra dynamism while at the same time significantly slashing fuel consumption and emissions. In the BMW 3 ActiveHybrid, ActiveHybrid technology has for the first time been integrated into the vehicle architecture right from the start. Amongst other things, this meant that a lot of space was saved.

The powertrain of the BMW 3 ActiveHybrid is closely tailored to the sporty personality of the new BMW 3-Series. It features a 225 kW/306 hp six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a hybrid-specific eight-speed automatic transmission with integrated electric motor which for limited periods can increase power by up to 40 kW/54 hp. Maximum combined output is 250 kW/340 hp, with a maximum combined torque of 450 Newton metres. This high-powered, high-performance combination nevertheless returns low fuel figures. Average consumption in the EU test cycle is expected to be less than 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres (44.1 mpg imp). That means the ActiveHybrid technology in the BMW 3 ActiveHybrid offers fuel savings of around 12.5 per cent compared with equally powerful conventionally driven BMW sports sedans.

The electric motor supplies the six-cylinder petrol engine with supplementary driving power and can provide a boost function when extra-dynamic performance is required. This adds a further edge to the driving experience in the BMW 3 ActiveHybrid. BMW ActiveHybrid technology also allows the vehicle to run solely on electric power. In this zero-emission, virtually soundless driving mode, the vehicle can cover a distance of between three and four kilometres (around 2 to 2.5 miles). Top speeds in all-electric mode range from 60 km/h (37 mph) under load to 160 km/h (almost 100 mph) on overrun (coasting). When the driver applies more throttle, the internal combustion engine is engaged automatically, then disengaged on overrun. During overrun and braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is used to charge the battery. This is the same principle as the Brake Energy Regeneration function on the regular models, although on the BMW 3 ActiveHybrid the amount of energy recuperated by the electric motor is many times greater.

Efficient and seamless integration between the internal combustion engine and electric motor is ensured by the central power electronics, which provide intelligent, proactive energy management to further improve overall system efficiency. In terms of utility and interior adaptability, the BMW 3 ActiveHybrid shows no significant differences from the other models in the series, since its high-voltage battery is integrated under the floor of the boot. With boot space of 390 litres and unrestricted through-loading functionality, there are no concessions on the car's high standards of comfort and convenience.