Miles fly when you are having fun and the BMW has already reached its halfway mark in our 20 000 km test (you can read the long-term introduction here).
The only mishap to report has been a flat rear tyre caused by one of the many nails and other hazards littering our local roads. Fortunately this was quickly identified by the standard tyre monitoring system.
Apart from improved fuel economy, the hybrid system has some interesting benefits; while waiting in the car parked in the sun, the aircon can be fully utilised, powered by the lithium-ion battery, without the engine running . Also, the electric-only mode is perfect for sneaking home in “stealth” mode late at night.
The 3,0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder motor delivering 225 kW provides effortless performance and a wonderful aural soundtrack when let loose. Handling is predictable with safe understeer at the limit. Happily, any pretenders from the hot-hatch segment are also easily dispatched – in style. Feel guilty after a stint of spirited driving and you can always switch to EcoPro mode and play the “how low can you go” fuel economy game by eking out maximum all-electric miles from the battery. The average fuel consumption figure of 10,79 litres/100 km is commendable given our cars commuting role – and available performance.
Long distance comfort is another area where the ActiveHybrid shines and the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission only accentuates this quality.
Sometimes the most objective comments regarding a test car comes from my wife, however, and although as a family we have the opportunity to drive many vehicles, she is always particularly pleased when the BMW stops outside our house ahead of a weekend!
Quick Facts
Mileage on arrival (km): 232 km
Mileage now (km): 12 453 km
Fuel consumption (litres/100 km): 10,79 litres /100 km
We like: Styling, sporty performance, comfort, electric only driving
We don’t like: performance temptation, low speed braking feel