Our spy photographers have yet again captured the 3 Series->ke290 Hybrid out in the wild – this time, with even less camo on. The recharging door just aft of the driver-side front tire is clearly visible. Even with the missing camo, the 3 still sports its “Hybrid Test Vehicle” sticker on the driver’s door; eliminating all doubt of this car’s future green intentions.
Like we said before, not much is know about the hybrid system that BMW is employing here, but our best guess is something similar to what the X5 eDrive was testing with: a turbocharged four-cylinder paired to a 95-horsepower electric motor and advanced Li-ion battery pack. In the X5 application, the combo was good for a 0 to 60 time of less than seven seconds. An all-electric range of roughly 20 miles and a reported average of 62 mph combined when both systems worked simultaneously.
The 3 Series Hybrid would likely outperform its SUV brethren, as its lighter weight and lower center of gravity would help it achieve better fuel consumption numbers and better times around a track.
With all these pictures surfacing, it’s highly likely that BMW->ke178 will bring a hybrid model to its wildly popular 3 Series lineup. Only time will tell, however. Stay tuned to TopSpeed for all the latest spy photos and info as it becomes available.
Spy shots
Nothing new to report here, except that the camo is all gone and the charging door is clearly visible. This assures us that the plug-in 3er is definitely on its way...
The 3 Series has long been a benchmark in the automotive world for hitting the sweet spot of performance luxury in a four-door saloon. The 3’s broad range of cars takes the 3 Series from well-balanced, moderately-powered four-door car to wildly and outrageously-fun track monster that is the M3.
Prices range from $32,750 for the standard 320i up to $45,400 for the 335i xDrive. Jumping to the M-lineup of 3 Series puts you in another league of cars altogether as an M3 will set you back roughly $60,000.