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2015 BMW ActiveHybrid 3

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$50,150

starting MSRP

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Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

28
Combined MPGe Combined MPGe

Miles per gallon-equivalent is how the EPA provides efficiency ratings for battery-electric vehicles in a way that can be used in comparison with gasoline-powered vehicles. Actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

Related: Top 10 Most Efficient Electric Cars
5

Seating capacity

182.5” x 56.5”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(2 reviews)

The good:

  • Robust turbo-four gas engine
  • Smooth inline-six power
  • Handling
  • Strong brakes
  • Sedan's trunk room

The bad:

  • Spring-back turn signal and transmission levers
  • Leather and power seats optional
  • Many luxury features cost extra
  • Hybrid's battery pack reduces trunk space
  • Hybrid's expensive starting price

1 trim

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2015 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

Notable features

  • Sedan, Sport Wagon and Gran Turismo body styles available
  • Gas, diesel or hybrid drivetrain available
  • RWD or AWD
  • Active cruise control with Stop &amp
  • amp
  • Go feature available

2015 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

BMW’s compact 3 Series is the luxury automaker’s bread-and-butter model. It’s available as a sedan, Gran Turismo hatchback or wagon. Numerous drivetrains are offered, including hybrid and diesel versions. The five-seat 3 Series comes with rear- or all-wheel drive and competes with the Audi A4, Cadillac ATS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The coupe and convertible that formerly were part of the 3 Series lineup are now designated the 4 Series under BMW’s current nomenclature.

(Skip to details on the: 3 Series Gran TurismoActiveHybrid 3)
New for 2015

M Sport brakes are no longer available on the 328d. The keyless entry feature that’s part of the available Premium Package on the wagon and Gran Turismo now includes hands-free liftgate closing.
 
The below is a list of highlighted features and not an exhaustive list. Features are standard unless otherwise noted.

Exterior Highlights

  • Different grille, side mirror and tailpipe treatments distinguish the Sport, Luxury and M Sport “lines”
  • 17-inch alloy wheels; available 18- or 19-inch wheels
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Available variable sport steering with speed-sensitive assist
  • Available adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
  • Available automatic high-beam headlights
  • Available power moonroof

Interior Highlights

  • Seats five
  • Manually adjustable front seats; power front seats available
  • Available leather upholstery
  • Available heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel
  • Available split-folding backseat
  • Push-button start
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • CD stereo with HD Radio and USB port
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • IDrive controller and 6.5-inch screen
  • Available navigation system
  • Available Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo
  • Available sunshades for the rear windows

Under the Hood

  • 180-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (320i)
  • 180-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder (328d)
  • 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (328i)
  • 300-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (335i)
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Six-speed manual available at no cost
  • Fuel-saving stop-start technology

Safety Features

  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
  • Side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Front knee airbags
  • Available front and rear parking sensors
  • Available backup camera
  • Available lane departure warning
  • Available blind spot warning system
  • Available adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go technology

3 Series Gran Turismo

The 3 Series Gran Turismo is a four-door, coupelike hatchback version of BMW’s compact luxury car. Though styling cues are shared with the 3 Series Sport Wagon, the Gran Turismo is a larger car overall, measuring nearly 8 inches longer and more than 3 inches taller. The result is a roomier cabin, especially for backseat passengers who get 2.8 inches of extra legroom. The front and rear seats are also positioned higher for easier entry and exit.

What’s Special

  • 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (328i)
  • 300-hp, turbo 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (335i)
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • All-wheel drive
  • Split-folding rear seat
  • Cargo area has tie-down points, hooks and underfloor storage

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ActiveHybrid 3

The ActiveHybrid 3 is a 3 Series sedan with a gas/electric hybrid drivetrain. Subtle styling cues differentiate the ActiveHybrid 3 from the regular 3 Series. Among them are logos on the rear roof pillars, galvanized slats in the twin-kidney grille and matte chrome tailpipes.

What’s Special

  • Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack
  • Total system output is 335 hp
  • Electric motor can provide a power boost when accelerating
  • Can be driven up to 2.5 miles at speeds up to 47 mph on electric power alone if conditions allow
  • Zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, according to BMW
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Fuel-saving stop-start technology
  • Gas engine can shut down to save fuel when coasting at speeds up to 100 mph

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Consumer reviews

(2 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.5
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Torque Filler before it’s time.

I bought the 2013 Active Hybrid 3 in 2014 and had it for a couple years. The only reason I sold it was it only came in Rear wheel drive and I needed all wheel in Boston. This car was 10 years ahead of its time. It should have been sold as a performance car. It’s fast from takeoff and could beat my Porsches 993 up to 100 mph. The electric motor is a torque filler at low speeds and takeoff. The motor gives 100% of its power immediately to supplement the lower torque of the gas engine at slower speeds and rpm. As you get going, the engine is up to speed and its torque takes over. They use this approach now on Porsches, McClarens, etc. wonderfully fun car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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A car ahead of its time.

This car is gorgeous. Its why i bought it. And the performance. V6 twin turbo that gets 30mpg. They don't exist, accept here. Now 7 years later Toyota is doing it in the new Tundra. This car was way before its time. Its basically a 335i with an ADDITIONAL 75 hp electric motor. Only have had issues with wear and tear items. Brakes, tires, battery, etc. The e brake cable mount broke, and made the e brake cables rattle. Other than that its been excellent.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 2 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2015 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
9.5%
Rollover rating
5
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by BMW
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
144 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
48 months/50,000 miles
Hybrid electric
96 months/80,000 miles
Maintenance
48 months/50,000 miles
Roadside assistance
48 months/unlimited distance
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
1 year/unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year/50,000-mile new car warranty
Powertrain
N/A
Dealer certification required
196-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?