In early 2013, BMW will bring to market the first hybrid version of the popular 3 Series model. BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will debut next year in a concept form, similar to the 5 Series Hybrid which made an early appearance before going into production.First test mules are starting to be spotted around Munich and at the famous Nurburgring race track and to differentiate themselves from the “regular” 3 Series prototypes, the 3er hybrids feature the mandatory hybrid stickers on windows or rear bumper. Hybrid stickers are a must in Germany during testing because if the car happened to get into an accident, the police and medical crew need to be aware of the dangers of electric power.
A new spy video of the 2012 BMW 3 Series shows up on Youtube. The video contains both exterior and interior footage of the new F30 3 Series Sedan. According to the spy photographers, the test mule in question is a diesel, with a Start/Stop system and is limited to 210 kph (130 mph) for test purposes.
The day this video was shot, BMW also tested the 3 Series while pulling a trailer (see the beginning of the video).
Like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Citroën and SsangYong were testing their newest cars in the Sierra Nevada (Spain) that day. This video also contains a test version of the Aston Martin DBS (evolution rather than revolution?) and two uncamouflaged Citroëns DS
