Revealed at the BMW Group Innovations Days, the prototype is based on the forthcoming facelifted 3 Series and combines a four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine from the new EfficientDynamics engine family with an electric motor and eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Combined output is 291bhp with 295lb.ft. It also features a lithium-ion battery which, along with the battery management system and high-efficiency direct cooling system, is derived from the BMW i models.

BMW said that the BMW 3 Series Sedan provides the ideal starting point for developing an exceptionally dynamic and fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid model, thanks to the frugal fuel consumption of the conventional combustion-powered models.

Average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for the 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype are approximately 140mpg and 50g/km respectively.

The model can be driven in all-electric mode at speeds up 74.5mph, with a driving range of approximately 22 miles.

Like the current production models, the BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype is fitted with a Driving Experience Control switch, which can be used to switch COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO modes for the suspension, gearbox and the hybrid operating strategy. The driver can also change between different plug-in hybrid modes at the touch of a button.

The BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype also features a special hybrid-adapted Proactive Driving Assistant, which manages the powertrain not only with reference to current battery capacity but also to upcoming route profile, speed restrictions and traffic conditions.

The brand added that the plug-in hybrid drive can be integrated in a wide range of different vehicle concepts, making rapid deployment feasible and realistic.