A method for selecting an engine operating point in a multi-mode powertrain system includes monitoring a desired axle torque based on an operator torque request and vehicle speed. When an aftertreatment device used to purify regulated constituents within an exhaust gas feedstream output from the engine is determined to require an exhaust gas feedstream temperature to be increased to a predetermined temperature, an intrusive engine operation mode is enabled to increase the exhaust gas feedstream temperature to the predetermined temperature. A plurality of engine power is retrieved, wherein each engine power loss corresponds to respective ones of a plurality of intrusive engine operation points each achieving the predetermined temperature of the exhaust gas feedstream. A desired engine operation point is selected corresponding to one of the intrusive engine operation points having a lowest total power loss.