At a constant 20 mph, the ActiveHybrid 3 will go 2.5 miles on electric power alone.

FORBES: BMW ActiveHybrid 3 Review: A Lot Of Fun On Slightly Less Fuel

The EPA estimate for the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is 28 mpg in combined city and highway driving.

FORBES: BMW ActiveHybrid 3 Review: A Lot Of Fun On Slightly Less Fuel

Without question, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is satisfying enough to lure those who might not be inclined to consider a hybrid otherwise.

FORBES: BMW ActiveHybrid 3 Review: A Lot Of Fun On Slightly Less Fuel

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 looks almost exactly like a standard 3 Series.

FORBES: BMW ActiveHybrid 3 Review: A Lot Of Fun On Slightly Less Fuel

The 2 mpg advantage exists entirely because of city driving, where the EPA estimates 25 mpg for the ActiveHybrid 3 versus 23 for the 335i.

FORBES: BMW ActiveHybrid 3 Review: A Lot Of Fun On Slightly Less Fuel

The ActiveHybrid 3 I drove had regular wheels and performance tires.

FORBES: BMW ActiveHybrid 3 Review: A Lot Of Fun On Slightly Less Fuel

The few hybrids BMW has introduced previously, such as the ActiveHybrid 7 and ActiveHybrid X6, which use an eight-cylinder gasoline engine instead of a six-cylinder, have not sold well.

FORBES: BMW ActiveHybrid 3 Review: A Lot Of Fun On Slightly Less Fuel

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 can drive solely on electric power under light throttle at speeds up to 37 mph in Comfort mode and up to 47 mph in Eco Pro.

FORBES: BMW ActiveHybrid 3 Review: A Lot Of Fun On Slightly Less Fuel

The ActiveHybrid 3, which is new for 2013, marks the first time the BMW 3 Series is getting a hybrid, and the German automaker does not in any sense allow it to be a slouch.

FORBES: BMW ActiveHybrid 3 Review: A Lot Of Fun On Slightly Less Fuel