2016 BMW 3 Series eDrive prototype first drive

A prototype version of the new plug-in hybrid BMW 3-series, which – it is claimed – will set new standards for fuel efficiency when it goes on sale in September 2015.

Following the unveiling of the definitive production version of the X5 eDrive at the Paris motor show, BMW has now revealed its plans for a second plug-in hybrid based around a regular production model, the 3-series eDrive.

The new car, which indirectly replaces the non-plug-in ActiveHybrid 3, runs a petrol-electric hybrid system similar to that used by the X5 eDrive. But rather than providing drive to all four wheels like it does in BMW’s upmarket SUV, it sends drive exclusively to the rear.

Sitting up front is BMW’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine. It’s tuned to deliver 177bhp and 236lb ft of torque. 

This unit is supported by an electric motor mounted in the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. It provides an additional 94bhp and 184lb ft of torque.

All up, that means this 3-series offers a combined output of 242bhp and 295lb ft of torque in hybrid mode. 

These generous outputs are channelled through a reworked version of BMW’s ZF automatic gearbox, which has been modified to improve fuel efficiency and manage the transition between power sources.

The electric motor draws energy from a lithium ion battery mounted relatively high up in the boot, shrinking overall capacity slightly over the 480 litres offered by more conventional 3-series models.

BMW makes some pretty impressive fuel economy claims for the 3-series eDrive, although, like all new plug-in hybrids, the claimed figure arrived at is not truly representative of real-world driving. For what it's worth, though, the 3-series eDrive is said to return 131mpg, giving it an average CO2 rating of just 50g/km.

The hybrid system operates in five different modes, with two new ones specific to the eDrive model, called Max eDrive and Save Battery.

The eDrive mode provides all-electric running. The claimed electric range is a slightly disappointing 22 miles, achieved at speeds limited to around 75mph.

To drive, this early prototype is convincing in terms of overall operation but lacks the final layer of drivetrain refinement to make it truly impressive yet.

Still, with a year of development left before the final version is due, it would be disappointing if it wasn’t on the money by the time it reaches showrooms.

Unlike some recent plug-in hybrids we’ve driven, there’s no extra cockpit drill to study up on before setting off. In fact, the BMW is entirely straightforward. You simply climb in, belt up, place your foot on the brake and hit the start button, at which point the instruments spring to life to indicate it is ready.

There’s no firing of the petrol engine when the ignition catches, merely silence as the electric motor waits for you to draw the gear selector back to select Drive. 

With sufficient charge on board and the hybrid system set in its default mode, the new BMW moves off on battery power alone.