BMW is working on its most successful sedan (worldwide), the 3-Series and this time around it's not only a facelift but it will be offered with a Hybrid option. The tests are carried out at the world famous Nurburgring race track back in Germany. The manufacturer is likely to showcase this car at the Frankfurt Motor Show that is slated for September this year. So, it is most likely that BMW will be bringing it to the Indian shores as well, may be by the end of this year or in the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo.
This mid life facelift will only get minor tweaks on the front and rear bumper, the headlights will be adaptive for the top end variants while the taillights will be complete LEDs. The sides are largely similar except for the visible plug-in-socket, through the camouflage.
The hybrid technology that will lie under the ‘328e’ variant will be economical to run as it may take only 2 litres for every 100 kilometer. Though the initial cost will be higher than the non-hybrid lineup. Mechanically, it is said to pack a 2.0 litre inline 4-cylinder turbo petrol that along with the electric motor will produce a healthy 245 Bhps of power and a handsome 400 Nm of peak torque.
This all new 3-series plug-in hybrid prototype is said to cover 35 kilometers when running only on electric motor alone and can achieve a top whack of 120kmph. The battery pack is mounted underneath the boot and could be charged through regular sockets that connects to the socket present on the left front fender.
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