BMW is currently testing a new 3 Series plug-in hybrid. The car is currently undergoing its cold weather testing.
Reportedly, the model will use the new four-cylinder-based drivetrain that was shown in the BMW Concept X5 eDrive, showcased at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor show last September. This implies the car will primarily be powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, in combination with a 95bhp electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.
F30 BMW 3 Series images used for representational purpose only.
Going by the claims made by BMW for the rather larger and heavier X5 plug-in, the new 3-series should be able to cover over 25 miles on pure battery power at speeds of up to 75 mph. This 3 series plug-in hybrid is likely to offer a fuel consumption figure of over 80 MPG according to the EU fuel consumption tests.
The car will have switchable driving modes, and will default go into EcoPro mode when the car starts up. BMW says “this offers intelligent hybrid functionality, whereby the energy management system tailors the interplay of combustion engine and electric drive system to most efficient effect.” A fully charged battery pack can also be put into ‘hold’ mode, so drivers can utilise emissions-free driving, for example, at their city-centre destination.
Stay tuned to Motoroids for more updates on the new BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid.
BMW says the new plug-in drivetrain means that “drivers can also enjoy the services of the hybrid-specific Proactive Driving Assistant, which teams up with the navigation system to incorporate factors such as route profile, speed restrictions and the traffic situation into the driving mode selection”