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For most of us, the best way to find out if a car is good is to actually use it for daily driving. Here is a review of a driver who leased an ActiveHybrid 3 (Msport, DHP, 2TB, Tech, Driver Assist I) for two weeks and comparing it to his most recent vehicle, the E92 335i coupe. Here is an excerpt of his review:
Engine: Love the N55. It’s smoother than the N54, and feels every bit as powerful. Granted I haven’t pushed it yet (break-in), but I can feel the power is there. Maybe it was just mine, but my N54 was never as smooth and refined as this.
Hybrid aspects: As others have stated, BMW has done a wonderful job integrating the electric motor with the gas engine. Most of the time, the transition between electric and gas can be seen only by looking at the tach. On very rare occasions, there is a slight shudder when the N55 comes on or goes off, but most of the time it’s not felt. So the aspects of ASS others complain about is almost moot in the AH3. I once drove a Lexus hybrid, and it wasn’t close to being this well implemented.
The car will run on electric power alone, but requires feathering the throttle – otherwise, the engine will kick in. If you’re in traffic, this is not practical. But, in parking lots and small streets, it is great. I was in a drive-thru the other day with an especially long line. Took 20 mins with the heater and heated seats on, but the gas motor never came on until I got back to the main road. Nice!
I have spent most of my time in Comfort mode and 90% city driving, and I haven’t exceeded 24 mpg yet – fluctuates between 22 and 24. My N54 E92 was always between 18 and 19mpg. To be fair, I was a little more heavy footed with the E92. Fuel economy seems to be steadily improving. Let’s see where it ends up.
DHP: Is fantastic! Comfort mode smooths out bumps very nicely. Sport mode makes it feel like the E92, which also had a staggered 18″ setup. It’s really like getting 2 cars in one! Steering feel is actually quite good in Sport. I was expecting much worse based on reviews.
Road/wind Noise: Little disappointed here, because it has the same noise levels as the E92. I thought wind noise will be less, since that car had frameless glass. But nope, it actually feels like more at times. Could me my car, since a few others have complained about this in other threads. This car has Potenza 001s, and the E92 had Michelin Pilot PS2 RFTs. Road noise feels about the same.
Idrive/Nav/HUD: Thumbs up here too. The new generation is nice! Traffic information is very detailed – shows up even for smaller streets. And, the guidance as you approach a turn is more detailed (both on HUD and split screen).
