Details of the newBMWActiveHybrid 3 that will be available in South Africa towards the end of 2012 has been revealed. The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 combines a combustion engine with an electric drive system to deliver performance and efficient fuel consumption.

BMW ActiveHybrid 3 features a powerful and efficient drivetrain

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is powered by a 3.0-litre TwinPower engine that produces 225kW and 400Nm and is coupled with a 40kW electric motor using a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. The ActiveHybrid 3 uses an eight-speed automatic hybrid transmission with intelligent energy management to accomplish 5.9-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of 139g/km. The ActiveHybrid 3 will accelerate to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h. In full electric mode the ActiveHybrid 3 can reach 75km/h with a range of up to four kilometres.

BMW ActiveHybrid 3 combines elegance and sports styling

The exterior styling draws inspiration from the BMW 3-series sedan with an elegant and sporty appeal. Model lettering can be found on the C-pillars and on the rear-end that’s accented with L-shaped LED lights and matt chrome exhaust tailpipes while the satin-finish window surrounds and the BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow completes the ActiveHybrid 3’s exterior styling. 18-inch Streamline light-alloy wheels are also available for this model.

The interior design is spacious featuring a driver-focused cockpit design with the instrument cluster housing a 6.5cm screen for functional display. The navigation system Professional will be available as an option. Luggage capacity is at 390-litres.

BMW ActiveHybrid 3 safety features

Passenger safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, three-point inertia safety belts, front seat belt force limiters, active head restraints and ISOFIX child seat mountings in the rear seat.

Driving stability programs include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Brake Drying function, Fading Compensation and Start-Off Assistant.

More details will be made available closer to launch.