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The BMW 3 Series entered into its sixth generation with the F30 sedan earlier this year, but BMW is getting ready to add a slew of new models and body styles into the mix for the 2013 model year. There were still coupe, convertible, diesel and M3 models for the BMW 3 Series in 2012, but the new design was applied only to the 328i sedan and 335i sedan. Joining the sedan line-up, BMW is getting ready to introduce the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3, and the all-new 3 Series Sports Wagon will be the next body style to debut. Both the ActiveHybrid 3 and the 3 Series Sports Wagon will be available with the improved styling and cabin materials of the M Sport Line.
Marking the second hybrid vehicle for BMW, the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will use the same gasoline-electric powertrain as what is currently used on the ActiveHybrid 5. This starts with the same turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six used in the 2012 335i, and it pairs it with an eight-speed automatic transmission (that contains an electric drive motor) raising the car's power output to 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor alone produces 55 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, and it is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the floor of the trunk not affecting cargo capacity or the split, folding rear seats. Aside from the added power, the benefit of the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is that it can travel at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour for a distance of about 2.5 miles. As an option, the ActiveHybrid 3 can be equipped with a sportier transmission that delivers quicker shifts and paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. No specific (or expected) fuel economy figures were released, but some of the more fuel-efficient features of this model include an Eco Pro mode, automatic stop-start and a coast mode. The only noticeable clue that this is a hybrid will be the added "ActiveHybrid 3" logos on the decklid and C-pillars.
The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 goes on sale this fall, and it will have a starting MSRP of $50,195 which includes the applicable destination charges.
While a coupe and convertible will surely join the new BMW 3 Series eventually, the next body style to debut will be the Sports Wagon. Like the previous generation version of this luxury station wagon, it appears that the 2013 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon will only be offered in the 328i configuration with the 2.0-liter inline-four producing 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. The new BMW 328i Sports Wagon shares many of the same styling cues as the F30 sedan with the obvious difference being the station wagon's added cargo area. The long, sloping roofline and expanded daylight opening are almost identical to the current 3 Series Sports Wagon, but the new car's larger size will allow for improve rear passenger space as well as 10 percent better cargo volume both with the rear seats in place and folded down.
The 2013 BMW 328i Sports Wagon goes on sale in the United States early next year, but pricing and equipment details have not been announced yet. BMW also has not released details or a released date for the next generation of the 3 Series coupe and convertible; we expect them to be unveiled by the end of this year.