BMW has introduced an experimental 3-Series powered by a gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
Based on the facelifted 3-Series that will be introduced next year, the plug-in hybrid model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works jointly with a compact electric motor. Together, the two power sources send 245 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission, a level of power that BMW says is on par with the output generated by one of its six-cylinder engines.

The plug-in 3 is capable of returning 117 mpg in a mixed European cycle with both power sources up and running. Powered by electricity alone, the sedan has a range of approximately 22 miles at speeds of up to 75 mph.

Electricity is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the passenger compartment, a setup that allows the plug-in 3 to offer roughly the same amount of trunk space as a standard 3. The pack can be recharged by plugging the 3 into either a quick charger or a regular household outlet.

The hybrid 3 features a Driver Experience Control with three settings: Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro. It also boasts a hybrid-specific Proactive Driving Assistant built into the navigation system that uses real-time data to optimize the use of the juice stored in the battery pack.

BMW has confirmed the prototype previews a production-bound plug-in hybrid 3-Series, but it has not disclosed when it is scheduled to debut or what markets it will be sold in.