The wraps have come off the BMW ActiveHybrid 5, a subtle evolution of the ActiveHybrid 5 Concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
At this stage, the ActiveHybrid 5 is the only model from BMW’s hybrid vehicle range that has been confirmed for right-hand drive production. This means there’s a chance we could see it locally, although BMW South Africa hasn’t indicated as much.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 combines the 225 kW / 400 Nm TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine from the 535i with an electric drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 40 kW / 210 Nm electric motor draws its power from a high-performance lithium-ion battery that is positioned in the boot (decreasing available luggage space from 520-litres to 375-litres).
In total, the hybrid system has a power output of 250 kW and 450 Nm, making it the third most powerful model in the range behind the 550i and the M5. The ActiveHybrid 5 sprints from 0 – 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, yet uses as little as 6.4 L/100km on the combined cycle.
The ActiveHybrid 5 can be driven at speeds of up to 60 km/h using electric-only power for 4 km, and when ‘ECO PRO’ mode is selected, the petrol engine can be switched off and fully decoupled, allowing it to ‘coast’ when the car is travelling at speeds up to 160 km/h. Kinetic energy regeneration and engine stop/start also contribute to the hybrid’s tidy fuel consumption figures.
From the outside, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is distinguished by its grille with galvanised slats, matt chrome tailpipes, C-pillar and boot lid badging, and the unique Bluewater Metallic body paint. The aerodynamically inspired 18-inch Streamline light-alloy wheels are available as an option.
Interior highlights include the Professional navigation system, four-zone climate control, and a range of driver assist features and BMW ConnectedDrive services.
Prices are yet to be confirmed, but the ActiveHybrid 5 is due to go on sale in the U.S. in March 2012.
