The veil has been lifted off the BMW 3-Series plug-in hybrid prototype which is said to “provide a first taste of the extra-efficient driving pleasure which the world’s most successful premium sedan will offer.”

Award winning TwinPower Turbo technology in the BMW 3-Series Plug-In Hybrid Prototype

The model still wears some form of camouflage on the front and rear fascia, however, BMW has revealed that significant improvements come from under the hood. Underneath the semi disguised prototype is a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine working together with an electric motor which according to BMW offer the prototype the same level of performances as a six-cylinder 3-Series.

Its plug-in hybrid drive system has a combined output of approximately 180 kW and maximum combined torque of approximately 400 Nm which is sent to the wheels through an updated eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

Average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are rated to be approximately two-litres/100 km and 50 g/km respectively. The model can be driven in electric mode for up to 35 km during which it can reach a top speed of 120 km/h.

In addition, the 3-Series plug-in hybrid prototype features a lithium-ion battery pack installed underneath the load compartment which can be re-charged (through a plug on the front left fender) at any household power socket, and is mounted in a particularly crash-safe position underneath the load compartment.

Furthermore, like all current BMW models, the prototype has a Driving Experience Control switch with three modes: Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro. Each of these modes feature different suspension settings, different shift characteristics for the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, and a different hybrid operating strategy. There are also two new plug-in hybrid modes: Max eDrive, which provides all-electric, zero-local-emission propulsion, while Save Battery mode keeps the battery at a constant state of charge.

Production of the BMW 3-Series Plug-In Hybrid Prototype is said to begin in early 2016.