The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is powered by a 306bhp six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and comes with a maximum torque of 400Nm between 1,200 and 5,000 rpm. The foundation of its powertrain starts with the award-winning unit found in the BMW 335i that is renowned for its free revving capability, pulling power and efficiency. Coupled with the electric motor, the combined system output can generate up to 340bhp and a maximum torque of 450Nm from 1,200 to 5,000 rpm.

Its electric motor is supplied with energy by a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated underneath the luggage area while still maintaining practicality with folding rear seats. Power from the two drive systems is transferred to the rear wheels by the eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition to its full-hybrid construction, which enables purely electric and therefore local emission-free driving in urban conditions or when coasting, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 boasts not just highly sporty performance but also a 18% improvement in fuel economy over the BMW 335i.

The intelligent energy management of the power electronics uses a host of innovative functions to ensure the drive system runs efficiently. Charging of the high-performance battery primarily takes place during coasting or braking, the electric motor performing the role of a generator feeding energy into the high-voltage battery. By contrast, under acceleration the electric motor takes on a boost function.

Moreover, while coasting at speeds of up to 160km/h in ECO PRO mode, the combustion engine can be switched off and fully decoupled from the transmission. This coasting mode combines comfortable driving with optimum utilisation of the kinetic energy already generated. To avoid periods with the engine running at idle at junctions or in traffic tailbacks, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 deploys its hybrid start-stop function.

"BMW has developed its intelligent hybrid drive technology to the next level with this further ActiveHybrid production model. This full hybrid is highly efficient and is further able to operate solely on electric power for zero-emission whilst driving around town. At the same time, it is also capable of very sporty performance comparable to that of the dynamic-driving BMW 335i," said Mr Neil Fiorentinos, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 sees the sporty yet elegant body design of the BMW 3 Series Sedan complemented by bespoke touches which highlight its innovative drive technology. The 'ActiveHybrid 3' lettering on the C-pillars and at the rear, along with the matt chrome exhaust tailpipes, set the exterior apart from the other models in the range.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 also stands out visually with door sill strips bearing 'ActiveHybrid 3' badge, an aluminium plate on the gearshift lever knob with the same ID, and a bespoke engine cover. In addition, all three Sport, Modern and Luxury Lines as well as the M Sport package are available for the ActiveHybrid 3.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 in Singapore will come standard with the following features: Rear view camera, Park Distance Control (front and rear), Surround View, Park Assistant, and Harman Kardon Surround Sound system, just to name a few.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is currently retailing at Performance Motors' showrooms.