20 000 km reach – a very sad number. This means that my tenure with the ActiveHybrid3 has expired. I will be forced to hand the keys over to BMW, if they can catch me… Keep your eyes peeled for the complete wrap-up test in the 2014 February issue of CAR magazine where a conclusion on the technology is reached.
The last road trip that the BMW embarked on was a family visit to Hartenbos. The problem was that we booked self-catering accommodation that required supplying our own bedding. Although the battery pack in the boot takes up only 90 dm3 of space compared with non-hybrid models, there was no chance of my wife and I and our two young children (and their paraphernalia and our luggage) fitting. A Thule roof system came to the rescue and the standard roof-bar slots on the vehicle worked a treat to fix the roof bar and box onto the roof.
Fully loaded and heading for the South Coast from Cape Town, the BMW again impressed. The ride at speed is excellent and road noise well suppressed. The climate control, comfortable seats and CDs with our children’s favourite songs meant that we reached our destination fresh and ready for action.
What are the pros and cons of owning an ActiveHybrid3?
Pros
- Silent driving when in electric mode (the AH3 is capable of driving for 4 km on electric power alone at speeds of up to 75 km/h);
- Coasting mode switches off the engine and disconnects the drivetrain at speed when no acceleration demand is detected, for instance when coasting on a slight downhill section;
- Running the air-con with the engine off is possible because the lithium-ion battery powers it;
- Kinetic energy is recovered during braking and saved in the battery pack;
- The electric motor provides a power boost during acceleration.
Cons
- It’s the most expensive 3 Series;
- The expensive and complex technology may impact the long-term ownership proposition;
- The extra mass of the battery pack and electric motor negate some of the fuel-saving benefit. Charging the battery from recovering kinetic energy during braking makes sense, but not charging by running the petrol engine;
- Not the most fuel efficient 3 Series;
- The battery pack infringes slightly on boot space;
- Towing not allowed.
Quick Facts
Mileage on arrival (km): 232 km
Mileage now (km): 20 384 km
Fuel consumption (litres/100 km): 10,43 litres/100 km
We like: Styling, sporty performance, comfort, electric-only driving
We don’t like: Long-distance comfort , the odd jerky gearshift and the fact that it is going back!
