F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > BIMMERPOST First Drive: 2013 Active Hybrid 3
Extreme Powerhouse
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-15-2012, 10:03 AM   #1
southlight
Moderator / European Editor
southlight's Avatar
1492
Rep
6,755
Posts

Drives: X3M
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Arrow BIMMERPOST First Drive: 2013 Active Hybrid 3

BIMMERPOST NEWS
BIMMERPOST First Drive: 2013 Active Hybrid 3
54
COMMENTS


Sometimes, we are victims of stereotypes. I, for instance, have always hated the idea of hybrid cars. Surely, a true car fan can’t possibly find anything good about a car which is obviously made for one reason only: Economy. Things are a bit different about the Active Hybrid 3, however. Here’s the story about my first experience with BMW’s latest hybrid.

Name:  f30h_2.jpg
Views: 13549
Size:  36.4 KB

At first sight, the Active Hybrid 3 [full official info thread] doesn’t look too different from any other F30 3 Series. BMW likes to introduce their hybrid models in a light blue color, but our test car’s Liquid Blue color is also available for other F30 models. Both the exhaust tips and the window trim are finished in a matte aluminum. The Active Hybrid 3 badges at the C-pillars and the boot lid are a bit over the top, but there's a debadge option for those. BMW offers a dedicated set of 18" wheels to optimize airflow and reduce wind resistance but, as a no-cost option, the aerodynamic wheels can be replaced with traditional standard BMW wheels. Gladly, BMW also allows the Active Hybrid 3 to be combined with any of the design lines. So you can choose Modern, Luxury and Sport line for your Active Hybrid 3. My personal favorite is the idea of having the Active Hybrid 3 with the amazing M Sport package – yes, that’s possible too.


How does it work?

The Active Hybrid 3 combines the award-winning 300hp N55 3.0-litre Twinpower petrol engine and a synchronous electric motor. The electric motor is good for 55hp and 210Nm alone, while combined with the petrol engine the system’s maximum output is rated at 340hp and 450Nm of torque. In case you’re curious about the numbers not adding up: BMW doesn’t limit the total output for some reason but rather is conservative with their total rating. The electric motor can’t retain its maximum output of 55hp for too long. For this reason, it’s possible that the electric motor has passed its maximum output by the time the petrol engine reaches its maximum. So BMW chose a rating that’s replicable on any dynamometer. Under good conditions, the actual output can be even higher than the quoted 340hp and 450Nm for a short period. According to BMW, the Active Hybrid 3 sprints to 62mph in 5.3 seconds, 0.2 seconds less than the 335i.

Name:  F30h_1.jpg
Views: 13399
Size:  35.6 KB

The electric motor sits inside the 8-speed automatic transmission and replaces the torque converter. A high performance lithium-ion battery supplies the energy; it’s located in the boot between the wheel arches. About half of the hybrid system’s additional weight of 135kg is for the battery while the electric motor, electronics and the cooling system account for the other half. The air conditioning is connected to the hybrid battery as well, which is necessary for it to work in eDrive mode.

The optional Navigation System Professional (yes, the new Navigation) is integrated with the car's electronics as well. The system anticipates upcoming road inclines and declines and charges/discharges the batteries accordingly. *Also, when the end of the navigation route is in an urban area, the Active Hybrid 3 charges the batteries early so it can go into eDrive mode upon arriving.


What does it drive like?

This is the fun part: You don’t notice any of the technical stuff covered above. It drives like any other car – and I mean it in the best possible way. You hit the start button and it’s ready – without the petrol engine starting. When the lithium-ion battery is fully charged it can go up to 4km and reach a speed of up to 75kph on electric power only. During my test drive, I managed to do about 3km and a speed of about 70kph at a time. Equally impressive is the Active Hybrid 3’s ability to go into coasting mode. When you lift the throttle fully, the car disengages the clutch and shuts off the engine. As soon as you apply the throttle again (and are beyond the electric motor’s speed range) the engine starts again. All of this works in Eco Pro mode only, and it works flawlessly. As Dr. Negele, Head of BMW Active Hybrid 3 development, mentioned to me, they have spent a lot of money to make the transition from electric to petrol mode and vice-versa seamless, and it was worth it. You wouldn’t notice any of these transitions if it wasn’t displayed in the instrument cluster. It’s amazing. The result of my test drive was an average consumption of 6.5 liters per 100km which is impressive for a 340hp midsized sedan.

Name:  f30h_3.jpg
Views: 12941
Size:  18.5 KB

If you’re like me, there are days where you don’t care about any hypermilling and all you care about is having a bit of fun in your 340hp 3-Series. I was afraid that the additional weight would detract from the Active Hybrid 3 being a fun car, but I was mostly wrong (again?). Yes, it feels a bit heavier than the 328i and even the 335i. But, as weird as it sounds – the lithium-ion battery proved to be helpful here too. Compared to the ever so slightly front-heavy 335i, the additional weight in the rear of the Active Hybrid 3 makes for that perfect 50/50 weight balance BMW is famous far. Switch into Sport or Sport+ mode and welcome Mr. Hyde. The car negotiated corners really well, the compelling 8-speed auto switched gears within the blink of an eye as usual, and the electric motor was willing to offer additional boost when necessary. Average consumption for a couple of kilometers of fun: 9 liters per 100km.


Who is this car for?

One thing is for sure: The Active Hybrid 3 isn’t meant to offer the lowest fuel consumption possible in the hybrid car segment. Nor will it be easy to recoup the premium spent over a 335i in fuel savings. In other words, it’s a niche product targeting people who like the fun of a 335i combined with improved fuel consumption. It's for people who don’t like or don’t have access to powerful Diesel cars. Or it's for people who want to leave their neighborhood in electric mode but also want to have fun at times.

Name:  f30h_4.jpg
Views: 12918
Size:  38.3 KB

The Active Hybrid 3 will be available in the U.S. this fall at an MSRP of $50,195. What you get is a car with personality. To end this review in the same way as it began (and speaking of stereotypes), I still don’t like hybrid cars. But, what's changed is that the the Active Hybrid 3 left me deeply impressed. When I returned my test car, I found myself hoping that I would one day have more time with the Active Hybrid 3.


For full official specs and info on the Active Hybrid 3, see our BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (F30) Thread.



Alpine White Active Hybrid 3

Active Hybrid 3 Media Presentation



Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 01:19 PM   #2
tony20009
Major General
tony20009's Avatar
United_States
1042
Rep
5,660
Posts

Drives: BMW 335i - Coupe
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Washington, DC

iTrader: (0)

I wonder if the car has a provision to ensure the a/c continues to operate if the hybrid battery is dead?
__________________
Cheers,
Tony

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'07, e92 335i, Sparkling Graphite, Coral Leather, Aluminum, 6-speed
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 01:27 PM   #3
BMWPower06
A^M=G is nothing w/o the Power of ///M
BMWPower06's Avatar
United_States
171
Rep
1,816
Posts

Drives: ///M5 & ///M3
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Washington D.C.

iTrader: (0)

I want! Up to ~360hp and 40mpg? Sounds like fun to me!
__________________
Indianapolis Red BMW ///M5
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 01:42 PM   #4
jraymond
Lieutenant
18
Rep
411
Posts

Drives: 135i SGM
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: U.S.

iTrader: (0)

I probably would have left this part off: Nor will it be easy to recoup the premium spent over a 335i in fuel savings.
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 01:46 PM   #5
BMWCali
Expect the Unusual
BMWCali's Avatar
United_States
257
Rep
1,344
Posts

Drives: 2018 X6M
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: U.S.A.

iTrader: (1)

Great stuff! Thanks for this review, South! Really looking forward to getting the car (whenever that is)!
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 01:49 PM   #6
SomeRandomer123
Colonel
SomeRandomer123's Avatar
England
301
Rep
2,612
Posts

Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK

iTrader: (0)

I love this car. Would've been financially viable for me if it was on the market in time! Dayyum :P
__________________

Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT
Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT
Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT
On Order: 2015 Audi A6 Avant Ultra, Black Edition (sorry!)
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 02:02 PM   #7
ATX78703
Major
75
Rep
1,037
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

i get what bmw is trying to do here and i respect that - all the fun of a 335i, with the added bonus of incredible fuel economy. You won't make up the MSRP difference in fuel savings, but you will have the convenience of fueling up less. This does not compete with a diesel, it gives you high-revving petroleum fun.

Personally, for me, I cant justify it over a 335i. My decisions are usually a little too rational. Also, I'm not personally in love with the amount of extra technology this AH3 incorporates. But kudos to BMW, they obviously did a great job on this to-be low-volume seller.
__________________
2014 335i RWD: ZMM, ZDA, ZDH, ZPP, ZTP, 2NH, 2TB, 5DL; Z4A MPPK; AW ext / VB int
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 02:19 PM   #8
lucas.kent
Major
lucas.kent's Avatar
United_States
142
Rep
1,173
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: AZ

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2016 BMW M3  [0.00]
Of course another added bonus is that in some states, including my own state (VA), you can take this car on HOV lanes during rush hour. That in and of itself might make the extra price worth it!
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 02:19 PM   #9
wdeerfield
A family of bimmers
United_States
2744
Rep
7,741
Posts

Drives: '18 G01 X3M40i
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Clifton Park, NY

iTrader: (0)

i wonder where else they can put those AH3 badges.. getting little badge happy are we..
__________________
2018 PB/Black G01 X3M40i | 699M | ZDA | ZPP | ZPX | Maxton front lip | X3M vents | 15mm Spacers | Diamond G20 style grills
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 02:31 PM   #10
BMWCali
Expect the Unusual
BMWCali's Avatar
United_States
257
Rep
1,344
Posts

Drives: 2018 X6M
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: U.S.A.

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lkw15
Of course another added bonus is that in some states, including my own state (VA), you can take this car on HOV lanes during rush hour. That in and of itself might make the extra price worth it!
Nice! Wish I could in California but they don't permit hybrids anymore, only fully electric cars can take the HOV lane with single occupancy.
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 02:34 PM   #11
gerbs
woof
gerbs's Avatar
United_States
82
Rep
1,233
Posts

Drives: M6
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by wdeerfield View Post
where else they can put those AH3 badges..
Agreed, what's up with the C pillar badging anyway? From the pictures it would appear it's on both sides of the car?

Would be the first thing I do upon delivery is remove all those.
__________________

2013 F13 ///M6 Sakhir Orange
2013 F30 335i Estoril Blue II
2008 E92 ///M3 Interlagos Blue
2007 E92 335i Montego Blue
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 02:49 PM   #12
wdeerfield
A family of bimmers
United_States
2744
Rep
7,741
Posts

Drives: '18 G01 X3M40i
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Clifton Park, NY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by gerbs View Post
Agreed, what's up with the C pillar badging anyway? From the pictures it would appear it's on both sides of the car?

Would be the first thing I do upon delivery is remove all those.
its also on the shifter trim and door sills as well
__________________
2018 PB/Black G01 X3M40i | 699M | ZDA | ZPP | ZPX | Maxton front lip | X3M vents | 15mm Spacers | Diamond G20 style grills
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 03:26 PM   #13
southlight
Moderator / European Editor
southlight's Avatar
1492
Rep
6,755
Posts

Drives: X3M
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jraymond View Post
I probably would have left this part off: Nor will it be easy to recoup the premium spent over a 335i in fuel savings.
Well, it's the truth even BMW execs are agreeing with.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWCali View Post
Great stuff! Thanks for this review, South! Really looking forward to getting the car (whenever that is)!
Thanks, I'm glad you like it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by gerbs View Post
Agreed, what's up with the C pillar badging anyway? From the pictures it would appear it's on both sides of the car?

Would be the first thing I do upon delivery is remove all those.
Yes, it's on both sides. Even though the badging is somewhat an Active Hybrid trademark feature I'd have it removed on my car.


Best regards,
south
__________________
Those forums...WHY NOT?


JOIN THE 6MT CLUB GROUP
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 03:39 PM   #14
Diver
Brigadier General
Diver's Avatar
United_States
504
Rep
3,446
Posts

Drives: Black '12 135i - Sold
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tony20009 View Post
I wonder if the car has a provision to ensure the a/c continues to operate if the hybrid battery is dead?
Wondering the same thing. The review mentioned the air conditioner is connected to the lithium battery, but does not say if there is an electric compresor. The 2012 3 series utilizes an extra reservoir of compressed Freon to provide climate control when the petrol engine is off in the start stop mode.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 03:41 PM   #15
Cuz5150
Major
Cuz5150's Avatar
215
Rep
1,489
Posts

Drives: 06-M3ZHP/04-M3 Vert/02Duc998
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

This is all great for BMW and the eco's, but why not use the new 4cyl turbo engine. That would bring the price down a bit= more sales.
__________________
-Diplomacy is saying, "nice doggie while trying to find a rock"-
07-Z4 coupe-Black/Black/6MT/sport/premium/X
04-M3 vert-Black/Imolla/6MT/Cold/Xenon/HK/
06-M3 Coupe-Mystic/Black/6MT/ZCP/Xenon/HK/
09-135i- AW/Bk-Lette/6MT/M-pac/Nav/Hi-Fi/Usb-Ipod/SOLD
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 03:49 PM   #16
DDS2015
Major
Canada
383
Rep
1,440
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3CS
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Winnipeg

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2021 BMW X3  [0.00]
2023 BMW M4  [0.00]
Will this be available in xdrive?
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 03:50 PM   #17
southlight
Moderator / European Editor
southlight's Avatar
1492
Rep
6,755
Posts

Drives: X3M
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by DDS2015 View Post
Will this be available in xdrive?
Nope, it's only available with rear wheel drive.


Best regards,
south
__________________
Those forums...WHY NOT?


JOIN THE 6MT CLUB GROUP
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 03:54 PM   #18
tony20009
Major General
tony20009's Avatar
United_States
1042
Rep
5,660
Posts

Drives: BMW 335i - Coupe
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Washington, DC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jraymond View Post
I probably would have left this part off: Nor will it be easy to recoup the premium spent over a 335i in fuel savings.
Why?

As far as I know, that's the case for every hybrid one can today buy.
__________________
Cheers,
Tony

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'07, e92 335i, Sparkling Graphite, Coral Leather, Aluminum, 6-speed
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 03:56 PM   #19
tony20009
Major General
tony20009's Avatar
United_States
1042
Rep
5,660
Posts

Drives: BMW 335i - Coupe
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Washington, DC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Diver View Post
Wondering the same thing. The review mentioned the air conditioner is connected to the lithium battery, but does not say if there is an electric compresor. The 2012 3 series utilizes an extra reservoir of compressed Freon to provide climate control when the petrol engine is off in the start stop mode.
Hopefully it works better than what they put on my 5 series. When it's truly hot outside, I have to disable that start/stop foolishness.
__________________
Cheers,
Tony

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'07, e92 335i, Sparkling Graphite, Coral Leather, Aluminum, 6-speed
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 04:02 PM   #20
tony20009
Major General
tony20009's Avatar
United_States
1042
Rep
5,660
Posts

Drives: BMW 335i - Coupe
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Washington, DC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lkw15 View Post
Of course another added bonus is that in some states, including my own state (VA), you can take this car on HOV lanes during rush hour. That in and of itself might make the extra price worth it!

I wonder how long that'll last? In truth, I would have thought that by now, so many in NOVA would buy hybrids and thus use 66 and 395's HOV lanes during rush hour that the governments would have ended the hybrid dispensation of which you speak. I live downtown and usually work outside the USA, so I almost never encounter bad traffic; maybe rush hour commuting around DC isn't as bad as I think.
__________________
Cheers,
Tony

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'07, e92 335i, Sparkling Graphite, Coral Leather, Aluminum, 6-speed
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 05:17 PM   #21
Foreigner
New Member
0
Rep
13
Posts

Drives: F3x
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: L.A.

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Diver View Post
Wondering the same thing. The review mentioned the air conditioner is connected to the lithium battery, but does not say if there is an electric compresor. The 2012 3 series utilizes an extra reservoir of compressed Freon to provide climate control when the petrol engine is off in the start stop mode.
The car does have an electric (only) AC compressor and it is powered by the HV battery alone.
The battery itself will never discharge fully (if SOC goes below 7% the ICE will start to recharge). If the battery breaks you will have to get the car serviced anyway.

A good thing about the electric AC compressor is that you can pre-condition your car after parking it in the sun on the press of a button on your key fob with full AC support - provided the HV battery is sufficiently charged.
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2012, 09:04 PM   #22
04S
Captain
04S's Avatar
174
Rep
838
Posts

Drives: M4 xDrive, X5 40i and U11 X1
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia

iTrader: (0)

Only a matter of time before they put an ///M badge on it .....
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
3 series f30, 3 series f30 forum, 3 series forum, 3-series forum, bmw 3 series f30, bmw 3 series forum, bmw 3-series f30, bmw 3-series forum, bmw active hybrid 3 review, bmw active hybrid 3 series review, bmw f30, bmw f30 3 series, bmw f30 3-series, bmw f30 forum, bmw hybrid 3 review, bmw hybrid 3 series review, bmw hybrid review, bmw hybrid reviews, f30 3 series, f30 3 series forum, f30 3-series, f30 forum, f30 forums

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:29 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST