BMW ActiveHybrid 3 to go on sale under $100K

It’s not just another hybrid, its BMW’s ActiveHybrid 3 -- and it’s got a noticeable performance tilt. Just 0.2 seconds quicker than the current world record holder in its field (the Infiniti M35h) BMW ActiveHybrid 3 reaches 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds and is electronically limited to a top speed of 250km/h.

Despite its obvious athleticism ActiveHybrid 3 still manages to return a combined cycle average fuel consumption figure of 5.9L/100km while emitting just 139g/km.

Combining BMW’s renowned 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine (of 335i fame) with an innovative electric drive system, ActiveHybrid 3 outputs a total of 250kW/450Nm, delivered to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW Australia says it will go on sale in 2013 at under $100,000.

Boasting the full suite of BMW’s EfficientDynamics eco-friendly technologies, and losing few of the packaging benefits favoured in the regular 3 Series the ActiveHybrid 3 isn't exactly aimed at Australia, but it is coming Down Under.

BMW Australia says the potential of the new model is a bit of an unknown in Australia -- the brand’s primary focus for the ActiveHybrid 3 is the petrol-oriented Chinese market.

“It is difficult to predict sales forecasts for the ActiveHybrid 3 as this is a completely new product offing for BMW in Australia,” explained BMW Australia spokesperson, Scott Croaker.

“We have ordered a very low number of vehicles initially to launch the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 to the Australian market. It will join the ActiveHybrid 5.

“We certainly expect the ActiveHybrid 3 to be the volume seller of the Hybrid range as it takes its place as the 3 Series sedan range topper being the most powerful, but also the most frugal of the petrol engined 3 Series sedan -- even undercutting the recently launch 320i.

“Hybrid is a important step for BMW in its EfficientDynamics philosophy as a crucial stepping stone towards full electric power trains and emotive and engaging zero emissions motoring,” Mr Croaker concluded.

The ActiveHybrid 3's electric-only range is roughly four kilometres with a top-speed of 75km/h. Power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack concealed beneath the boot floor.

BMW says it will position ActiveHybrid 3 from less than $100,000 when it arrives in local showrooms in Q1 next year (2013). A limited number of dealer demonstrators will land in the country from October (2012). Full specification detail will be announced closer to that time.

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