PressClub Portugal · Article.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3: Intelligence breeds efficiency.
Fri Jul 06 00:10:00 CEST 2012 Dossier de imprensa
BMW has developed its intelligent hybrid drive technology to the next level with a further ActiveHybrid production model. Again, a petrol engine is combined with an electric motor to enhance both efficiency and the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure.
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Margarida Peres
BMW Group
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Author.
Margarida Peres
BMW Group
Enhanced efficiency coupled with increased dynamics in the
BMW ActiveHybrid 3 thanks to the combination of an
award-winning combustion engine and an innovative electric drive.
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology working in tandem with an
eight-speed automatic hybrid transmission and intelligent energy
management.
All-electric operation up to 75 km/h (46 mph). All-electric
driving range up to four kilometres (approx. 2.5 miles).
System output 250 kW/340 hp.
Outstanding ratio of driving performance to fuel consumption:
5.3 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph). 5.9 litres per 100 km
(47.9mpg imp) and 139 g CO2/km in the EU test cycle.
Latest-generation BMW ActiveHybrid technology: six-in-line
engine, electric motor, lithium-ion battery.
The 225 kW/306 hp six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW TwinPower
Turbo technology in the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is the same unit renowned
for its free-revving capability, pulling power and efficiency in the
BMW 335i. The electric motor, meanwhile, develops 40 kW/55 hp and is
supplied with energy by a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated
underneath the luggage area.
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
double-digit percentage improvement in fuel economy over the BMW 335i/335iA.
Superior efficiency thanks to ECO PRO mode including coasting
and intelligent energy management.
In order to exploit
the potential of the BMW ActiveHybrid technology, 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. Here, it assists the petrol engine by generating an ultra-dynamic burst of power, lending the Sedan’s sporty driving experience a sharper edge.
Moreover, while coasting at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph)
in
ECO PRO mode, the combustion engine can be switched off and
fully decoupled. 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. Plus, the power electronics can be intelligently linked up
with the navigation system Professional (optional on the ActiveHybrid
3). This allows for proactive analysis of the driving situation,
enabling the drive components to be primed to deliver maximum
efficiency (the effect may vary according to the quality of the
available navigation data).
Design: sporty elegance with individual accents.
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.
Further accents come courtesy of the standard satin-finish window
surrounds and the BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow features in the
side graphic.
Available as an option, meanwhile, are 18-inch Streamline
light-alloy wheels displaying exceptional aerodynamic efficiency.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 also stands out visually with door sill strips
bearing “ActiveHybrid 3” lettering, 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.
High-grade standard fittings, wide-ranging options.
The selection of interior colours, upholstery and interior trim elements reflects the range offered for the other BMW 3 Series Sedan variants.
Added to the standard-fitted array of comfort-enhancing features is
also a
2-zone climate control system with stationary air conditioning.
A wide range of driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive mobility services, as well as virtually all the other optional extras available for the conventionally powered BMW 3 Series Sedan, can also be optionally specified for the BMW ActiveHybrid 3.
Production at BMW Plant Munich.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will be produced at BMW Plant Munich
alongside other BMW 3 Series models.
The integration into the production process of BMW ActiveHybrid technology is underpinned by the efficient combination of state-of-the-art automated process engineering and the skilled craftsmanship of specially trained employees.