Overall rating:

In this part of the world the majority of people that want the best 3 Series they can get will take a long hard look at BMW's six-cylinder diesel models, but for diehard petrol fans that want more than the 335i delivers there's now the ActiveHybrid 3. It's fast, and technically impressive, but we're struggling to like it as much as we do the 330d.

Key Facts

Model driven: BMW ActiveHybrid 3
Price: £40,225 (starting price for SE model)
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six-cylinder petrol
Transmission: eight-speed automatic with electric/motor generator in place of torque convertor, rear-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: Audi A4 3.0 TDI, Lexus GS 450h, Mercedes-Benz C 350 CDI
CO₂ emissions: 139g/km
Combined consumption: 47.9mpg
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
0-62mph: 5.3 seconds
Maximum system power: 340hp
Maximum system torque: 450Nm
Engine maximum power: 306hp at 5,800- to 6,000rpm
Engine maximum torque: 400Nm at 1,200- to 5,000rpm
Electric motor maximum power: 55hp
Electric motor maximum torque: 210Nm

In the Metal:

The biggest visual difference between the ActiveHybrid model and any other 3 Series saloon is the badging liberally spattered around the former's body work. Detail changes such as matt silver window surrounds and exhaust pipes feature too depending on which version you opt for and the unique 18-inch wheels on our test car are optional.

Inside it's more of the same, with bespoke instruments, more 'ActiveHybrid 3' badges and a 6.5-inch colour screen as standard. The rest of the trim depends on whether you go for SE, Modern, Luxury or M Sport. For the record, the boot is a little smaller (down to 390- from 480 litres), though the rear seat still splits 40/20/40.

Driving it:

A 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds should get the attention of keen drivers, as it's impressive by any measure. The saloon really flies when you put your foot down too, as the electric motor assists the engine to produce up to 340hp. For some reason this engine sounds at its best when in the mid-range, not when reaching for the redline. Away from that the engine cuts out a lot on the move, thanks to the 'coasting' mode built into it, which operates at up to 100mph. Along with that it's theoretically possible to drive on electricity alone for a distance of nearly 2.5 miles and at speeds of up to 46mph. We struggled to repeat that, but in traffic the engine was shut down regularly while on the move. Thankfully the engine is quiet at low speeds so you barely notice it starting up again, despite a little shunt in the driveline every now and then as the system moves between different modes.

Away from the drivetrain, the ActiveHybrid 3 should be virtually the same as any other 3 Series to drive, though a weight gain of 135kg over the regular automatic 335i is not insignificant. Without adaptive damping the car struggles to control its body weight when driven quickly on a twisty road so it's well worth ticking that options box. On the optional 18-inch alloys the low-speed ride comfort isn't too impressive either - again something that can be fixed with the adaptive damping. Still, there's plenty of grip and a strong braking system to help you stay on the intended path. Most of the time it drives much like a 335i, just with a little more performance.

What you get for your Money:

BMW UK will offer the ActiveHybrid 3 in SE, Modern and Luxury specifications and even an M Sport version, priced from £40,225 to £43,225. That's a lot of money by any standard, though looked at another way the hybrid starts at just £1,660 more than the most expensive 335i model with an automatic gearbox - which is standard on the hybrid. SE cars include 17-inch alloys (which should help with that low-speed ride issue), a multi-function sports steering wheel trimmed in leather, Park Distance Control, climate control, the 6.5-inch colour screen and iDrive system and cruise control. We'd urge buyers to splash out another £700 on the adaptive damping, though apparently few do...

Worth Noting

If you specify the Professional satnav system for your ActiveHybrid 3 it links into the control strategy for the hybrid system and attempts to further reduce consumption by predicting the topography ahead. For instance, in the situation where the battery is fully charged the satnav may identify a long downhill section on the route ahead that offers the opportunity for 'free' kinetic energy. It will then utilise electric power rather than the engine safe in the knowledge that the battery will be replenished on the downhill section. Clever, huh?

Summary

Spend time reading about the technology that goes into the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 and you can't help but be impressed. Just remember that its hybrid system has been designed for enhanced performance as much as it has for reduced fuel consumption and emissions, so it attracts a premium. Hence it doesn't compete with BMW's own diesel engine line-up and will remain a rare sight on British roads. No doubt it'll go down a storm in pro-petrol markets such as the USA, China and the Middle East.