BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (A) Review
13 Dec 2012|19,680 views
There can be many reasons to buy a hybrid. More often than not, the moniker brings reminisce of high-tech eco-friendly cars which are made solely for the purpose of saving fuel, with performance and driving dynamics taking the back seat.
A hybrid enhances efficiency in two ways - energy harnessed from braking can be either used to substitute engine power, hence cutting down rate of fuel combusted; or augment the power delivery, providing more energy with the same amount of fuel.
BMW however has a radically different idea of how hybrids should be like. The fact that the ActiveHybrid 3 (AH3) is based on the top-of-range 335i should kill off any lingering doubts about its performance.
Exterior
Having met with a handful of F30 variants, we must say that the looks grows with each acquaintance. That said, changes on the latest gen aren't as radical as one would expect from the volume seller in the lineup.
Front facet portrays dynamism with squinted headlamps - easily the favourite aesthetic feature on the F30
A hybrid enhances efficiency in two ways - energy harnessed from braking can be either used to substitute engine power, hence cutting down rate of fuel combusted; or augment the power delivery, providing more energy with the same amount of fuel.
BMW however has a radically different idea of how hybrids should be like. The fact that the ActiveHybrid 3 (AH3) is based on the top-of-range 335i should kill off any lingering doubts about its performance.
Exterior
Having met with a handful of F30 variants, we must say that the looks grows with each acquaintance. That said, changes on the latest gen aren't as radical as one would expect from the volume seller in the lineup.
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Up front the gentle nips and tucks are sufficient to make for a dynamic and modernistic facet. The updates however are less obvious at the rear, as it adopts similar lamp arrangements as its predecessor.
The 18-inch alloys look the most adept among BMW's hybrid lineup, filling the arches nicely and hints at its sporting intent. Otherwise, the AH3 differentiates itself purely by the badges.
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Interior
BMW of late have delivered simplistic yet impressive interiors, with trendy, functional designs and quality to match. While many automakers have vied to create 'sci-fi' ambience from within, through the use of intrinsic looking gauges or displays taking the form of sprouting leaves, the AH3 is devoid of such treatment.
The car retains the standard displays as with the petrol variants, with the only inclusion of an energy flowchart into the MMI display. While the common treatment lacks in creating a sense of occasion, it keeps the driver free from unnecessary distractions.
Driver-inclined layout combines functionality with aesthetic wellness
BMW of late have delivered simplistic yet impressive interiors, with trendy, functional designs and quality to match. While many automakers have vied to create 'sci-fi' ambience from within, through the use of intrinsic looking gauges or displays taking the form of sprouting leaves, the AH3 is devoid of such treatment.
The car retains the standard displays as with the petrol variants, with the only inclusion of an energy flowchart into the MMI display. While the common treatment lacks in creating a sense of occasion, it keeps the driver free from unnecessary distractions.
Quarters in the compact sedan are generally well spaced, with adequate room to fit four with ease and five with a squeeze. What's commendable is that the AH3 utilises clever engineering, stowing its battery pack underneath the boot into the spare tyre compartment. This means cabin or boot volume is not compromised, and the rear seats can be folded for added boot capacity.
Hybrid's battery pack is stowed into boot floor - enhances boot volume with fold-flat rear seats capability
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The Drive
With little differentiation to separate the AH3 from its stablemates, it leaves much to be desired in how it drives to quantify for its larger premium over the 335i.
The 3.0-litre inline six lives up to the marque's credential as a potent carmaker - its smooth revving nature is a gem to behold. Playing tandem to the petrol engine are electric motors, which ups the power figures from 306bhp and 400Nm to 340bhp and 450Nm.
Pedal to the metal, the AH3 will provide an aspirated drive without fuss, completing its century sprint in just 5.3 seconds. And with the delectable power on tap, it is a constant challenge to drive economically.
That is not to say the AH3 is transformed to any sort of maniac sports offering - BMW has also fitted the AH3 with the driving mode selector, which allows the car to better suit driving needs and styles.
The AH3 does not only triumph in straight line sprints - the compact sedan handles just as well in corners, especially when left in 'Sport' mode where the chassis and suspension are tightened to give a more 'connected' feel.
Driver Experience Control is a standard feature in AH3
With little differentiation to separate the AH3 from its stablemates, it leaves much to be desired in how it drives to quantify for its larger premium over the 335i.
The 3.0-litre inline six lives up to the marque's credential as a potent carmaker - its smooth revving nature is a gem to behold. Playing tandem to the petrol engine are electric motors, which ups the power figures from 306bhp and 400Nm to 340bhp and 450Nm.
Pedal to the metal, the AH3 will provide an aspirated drive without fuss, completing its century sprint in just 5.3 seconds. And with the delectable power on tap, it is a constant challenge to drive economically.
That is not to say the AH3 is transformed to any sort of maniac sports offering - BMW has also fitted the AH3 with the driving mode selector, which allows the car to better suit driving needs and styles.
The AH3 does not only triumph in straight line sprints - the compact sedan handles just as well in corners, especially when left in 'Sport' mode where the chassis and suspension are tightened to give a more 'connected' feel.
As a whole, the AH3 does feel like a lightly spruced up 335i, thanks to the additional torque on tap. Despite the additional power, the AH3 is also more frugal than the 335i - this being the whole point about the hybrid, boasting additional power without compromising on fuel economy. A mixture of city and highway driving returns an economy figure just north of 12km/L, a respectable figure considering its performance, but nonetheless farfetched from the claimed 16.9km/L.
Creamy acceleration with part credits to 3.0-litre inline six sourced from the 335i
Conclusion
The AH3 looks no sportier than the range leading 335i, but its subtlety lends it a unique character which has a right mix of both performance and economy.
Come next year, the AH3's 139g/km CO2 emission level will also qualify for a $10,000 rebate with CEVS (Carbon Emission-based Vehicle Scheme).
The mission bound by the AH3 is clear - to be an avid performer with the aid of enhanced efficiency. Think of it as a sports sedan that boasts efficiency measures and you can't be too far off.
Conclusion
The AH3 looks no sportier than the range leading 335i, but its subtlety lends it a unique character which has a right mix of both performance and economy.
Come next year, the AH3's 139g/km CO2 emission level will also qualify for a $10,000 rebate with CEVS (Carbon Emission-based Vehicle Scheme).
The mission bound by the AH3 is clear - to be an avid performer with the aid of enhanced efficiency. Think of it as a sports sedan that boasts efficiency measures and you can't be too far off.
There can be many reasons to buy a hybrid. More often than not, the moniker brings reminisce of high-tech eco-friendly cars which are made solely for the purpose of saving fuel, with performance and driving dynamics taking the back seat.
A hybrid enhances efficiency in two ways - energy harnessed from braking can be either used to substitute engine power, hence cutting down rate of fuel combusted; or augment the power delivery, providing more energy with the same amount of fuel.
BMW however has a radically different idea of how hybrids should be like. The fact that the ActiveHybrid 3 (AH3) is based on the top-of-range 335i should kill off any lingering doubts about its performance.
Exterior
Having met with a handful of F30 variants, we must say that the looks grows with each acquaintance. That said, changes on the latest gen aren't as radical as one would expect from the volume seller in the lineup.
A hybrid enhances efficiency in two ways - energy harnessed from braking can be either used to substitute engine power, hence cutting down rate of fuel combusted; or augment the power delivery, providing more energy with the same amount of fuel.
BMW however has a radically different idea of how hybrids should be like. The fact that the ActiveHybrid 3 (AH3) is based on the top-of-range 335i should kill off any lingering doubts about its performance.
Exterior
Having met with a handful of F30 variants, we must say that the looks grows with each acquaintance. That said, changes on the latest gen aren't as radical as one would expect from the volume seller in the lineup.
Up front the gentle nips and tucks are sufficient to make for a dynamic and modernistic facet. The updates however are less obvious at the rear, as it adopts similar lamp arrangements as its predecessor.
The 18-inch alloys look the most adept among BMW's hybrid lineup, filling the arches nicely and hints at its sporting intent. Otherwise, the AH3 differentiates itself purely by the badges.
The 18-inch alloys look the most adept among BMW's hybrid lineup, filling the arches nicely and hints at its sporting intent. Otherwise, the AH3 differentiates itself purely by the badges.
Interior
BMW of late have delivered simplistic yet impressive interiors, with trendy, functional designs and quality to match. While many automakers have vied to create 'sci-fi' ambience from within, through the use of intrinsic looking gauges or displays taking the form of sprouting leaves, the AH3 is devoid of such treatment.
The car retains the standard displays as with the petrol variants, with the only inclusion of an energy flowchart into the MMI display. While the common treatment lacks in creating a sense of occasion, it keeps the driver free from unnecessary distractions.
BMW of late have delivered simplistic yet impressive interiors, with trendy, functional designs and quality to match. While many automakers have vied to create 'sci-fi' ambience from within, through the use of intrinsic looking gauges or displays taking the form of sprouting leaves, the AH3 is devoid of such treatment.
The car retains the standard displays as with the petrol variants, with the only inclusion of an energy flowchart into the MMI display. While the common treatment lacks in creating a sense of occasion, it keeps the driver free from unnecessary distractions.
Quarters in the compact sedan are generally well spaced, with adequate room to fit four with ease and five with a squeeze. What's commendable is that the AH3 utilises clever engineering, stowing its battery pack underneath the boot into the spare tyre compartment. This means cabin or boot volume is not compromised, and the rear seats can be folded for added boot capacity.
The Drive
With little differentiation to separate the AH3 from its stablemates, it leaves much to be desired in how it drives to quantify for its larger premium over the 335i.
The 3.0-litre inline six lives up to the marque's credential as a potent carmaker - its smooth revving nature is a gem to behold. Playing tandem to the petrol engine are electric motors, which ups the power figures from 306bhp and 400Nm to 340bhp and 450Nm.
Pedal to the metal, the AH3 will provide an aspirated drive without fuss, completing its century sprint in just 5.3 seconds. And with the delectable power on tap, it is a constant challenge to drive economically.
That is not to say the AH3 is transformed to any sort of maniac sports offering - BMW has also fitted the AH3 with the driving mode selector, which allows the car to better suit driving needs and styles.
The AH3 does not only triumph in straight line sprints - the compact sedan handles just as well in corners, especially when left in 'Sport' mode where the chassis and suspension are tightened to give a more 'connected' feel.
With little differentiation to separate the AH3 from its stablemates, it leaves much to be desired in how it drives to quantify for its larger premium over the 335i.
The 3.0-litre inline six lives up to the marque's credential as a potent carmaker - its smooth revving nature is a gem to behold. Playing tandem to the petrol engine are electric motors, which ups the power figures from 306bhp and 400Nm to 340bhp and 450Nm.
Pedal to the metal, the AH3 will provide an aspirated drive without fuss, completing its century sprint in just 5.3 seconds. And with the delectable power on tap, it is a constant challenge to drive economically.
That is not to say the AH3 is transformed to any sort of maniac sports offering - BMW has also fitted the AH3 with the driving mode selector, which allows the car to better suit driving needs and styles.
The AH3 does not only triumph in straight line sprints - the compact sedan handles just as well in corners, especially when left in 'Sport' mode where the chassis and suspension are tightened to give a more 'connected' feel.
As a whole, the AH3 does feel like a lightly spruced up 335i, thanks to the additional torque on tap. Despite the additional power, the AH3 is also more frugal than the 335i - this being the whole point about the hybrid, boasting additional power without compromising on fuel economy. A mixture of city and highway driving returns an economy figure just north of 12km/L, a respectable figure considering its performance, but nonetheless farfetched from the claimed 16.9km/L.
Conclusion
The AH3 looks no sportier than the range leading 335i, but its subtlety lends it a unique character which has a right mix of both performance and economy.
Come next year, the AH3's 139g/km CO2 emission level will also qualify for a $10,000 rebate with CEVS (Carbon Emission-based Vehicle Scheme).
The mission bound by the AH3 is clear - to be an avid performer with the aid of enhanced efficiency. Think of it as a sports sedan that boasts efficiency measures and you can't be too far off.
Conclusion
The AH3 looks no sportier than the range leading 335i, but its subtlety lends it a unique character which has a right mix of both performance and economy.
Come next year, the AH3's 139g/km CO2 emission level will also qualify for a $10,000 rebate with CEVS (Carbon Emission-based Vehicle Scheme).
The mission bound by the AH3 is clear - to be an avid performer with the aid of enhanced efficiency. Think of it as a sports sedan that boasts efficiency measures and you can't be too far off.
Photos by Nicholas Low
Car Information
BMW 3 Series Sedan Hybrid ActiveHybrid 3 (A)
CAT B|Petrol-Electric|17km/L
Horsepower
224kW (300 bhp)
Torque
450 Nm
Acceleration
5.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW 3 Series Sedan Hybrid
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