The world’s benchmark sport sedan breaks new ground with the
introduction of the 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5—a model that manages to
boost power and performance over its 535i Sedan stablemate, while
shifting into the green band of efficiency. For all of its eco-friendly
credentials, the ActiveHybrid 5 stays true to its BMW heritage,
surpassing the competition in driver engagement, build quality, and
interior refinement.
Like other hybrid models in the BMW family, the new 2012
ActiveHybrid 5 (MSRP $60,950) pairs a combustion engine with an electric
motor to deliver superior fuel mileage with all the driving pleasure
buyers expect. The ActiveHybrid 5, however, is the first BMW hybrid
model that can be driven solely on electric power, offering around-town
motoring with zero emissions.
The heart of the ActiveHybrid 5 is the same TwinPower turbo
3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that motivates the 535i. Boasting a
TwinScroll turbo, piezo direct fuel injection and Valvetronic variable
intake valve lift control, the 3.0-liter inline-six cranks out 300 hp
and 300 lb/ft of peak torque.
Add the liquid-cooled electric motor and the total drive system output reaches 335-hp and 330 lb/ft of torque.
Also carried over from the 535i is the standard eight-speed
STEPTRONIC automatic transmission paddleshifters mounted on the steering
wheel are optional). Acceleration runs from 0-60 in just 5.7 seconds
while overall driving range increases (and carbon dioxide emissions
decrease) by up to 16 percent compared to the 535i. BMW has not
announced final fuel-economy ratings for the ActiveHybrid 5, but,
following an initial review, the editors of Car and Driver magazine estimate the vehicle achieving up to 34 mpg on the highway.
Storing power for the electric motor is a 96-cell lithium-ion
battery with a usable energy capacity of 675 watt-hours. Encased in a
collision-resistant housing set between the rear wheel arches, the
battery is so compact that the ActiveHybrid 5 can still offer 13.2 cubic
feet of storage space in the trunk. To further boost fuel efficiency,
the lithium-ion battery also powers the air conditioning, leaving the
passenger compartment cool and comfortable even when the Hybrid Auto
Start-Stop function switches off the inline-six-cylinder engine and runs
the car on electric power alone—at stoplights, for example, or when
coasting downhill.
The ActiveHybrid 5 can also run on emissions-free, all-electric
mode for distances up to 2.5 miles at speeds of up to 37 mph, which is
perfect for parking spot trawling or negotiating drive-time traffic. And
if you’d like to sustain maximum efficiency even when the road clears,
set the Driving Dynamics Control system to “ECO PRO” Mode. ECO PRO shuts
off the combustion engine and decouples it from the drive shaft when
the car is traveling on the highway at speeds up to 100 mph. Dip into
the throttle and the TwinPower turbo six instantly reengages for
seamless passing power.
Along with the aforementioned Auto Start-Stop function, the BMW
EfficientDynamics system includes Brake Energy Regeneration, which
charges the lithium-ion battery with up to 15,000 watts when the brakes
are applied.
According to the review in Car and Driver, “One of the
most interesting aspects of the ActiveHybrid 5 is the level to which its
powertrain management system makes decisions based on information from
outside the car.” Program a route using the standard navigation system,
and BMW’s power electronics analyze the driving conditions of that
route—including topography and speed limits—and prime all powertrain
systems for more efficient energy management throughout your trip.
Here’s an example of how this “Intelligent Energy Management”
system works: If your route includes a series of hills, the system
allows the battery to provide maximum energy to the electric motor for
supplemental-power delivery on the way up. Depleting the battery on the
ascent isn’t a concern, since the system knows it will recharge on the
way down.
The first full hybrid model in the history of BMW deserves to stand
out. To that end, the ActiveHybrid 5 receives a host of exclusive
design cues including “ActiveHybrid 5” lettering on the C-pillars and
doorsills, an aluminum plate on the center console bearing the same ID
and custom covers for the engine and the lithium-ion battery.
Model-exclusive options include Bluewater metallic exterior paint and
18-inch streamline light-alloy wheels designed for superior aerodynamic
efficiency.
Following their “First Drive” evaluation of the ActiveHybrid 5, the editors at Motor Trend
magazine declared, “Its driving experience [is] absolutely worthy of
the marque's performance heritage.” When you’re ready to experience the
Ultimate Driving Machine® of premium hybrid sedans, contact us to test drive the new BMW ActiveHybrid 5.
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