BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid spied testing

BMW recently brought out the pure hybrid from its stable, the i8. Now, a test mule of the 3 Series PHEV was spied testing, which makes us believe that the automaker seems to be seriously considering not just pure hybrids but plug-in hybrids (PHEV) as well.

The test vehicle sans camouflage clearly shows the electric port on the left front fender of the car. The ‘Hybrid Test Vehicle’ badge is visible on the left side and the rear bumper of the car.

The plug-in model is expected to be powered by the same or a similar plug-in hybrid system seen on the X5 eDrive Concept which was displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. This means the manufacturer will pair a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine (petrol or diesel) to a potent electric motor.

It is speculated that BMW might name this car as the 320e or 320 eDrive. With the introduction of this BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid in 2015, we can expect the carmaker to extend its line-up from pure hybrids to plug-in hybrids (PHEV) on a larger scale involving more core models.

Source: Carscoops.com