14 DAY TRIAL // The Bavarian automaker has recently taken the wraps off its latest ‘green’ contraption, which it says it’s the most powerful and efficient full hybrid in its segment: the new BMW ActiveHybrid 5.
This is the first time that a BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, an electric drive system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox are being brought together.
The performance figures released by the German manufacturer do nothing but confirm the fact that we are facing the sportiest hybrid series-produced model.
The 225 kW/306 hp six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is the same unit we find under the hood of the BMW 535i. The electric motor, meanwhile, develops 40 kW/55 hp and is supplied with energy by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area.
The vehicle’s drive system thus generates a combined output of 250 kW/340 hp, and allows the car to be driven on electric power alone up to 60 km/h (37 mph).
Moreover, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is capable to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, comes with an average fuel consumption of somewhere in between 6.4 and 7.0 l/100km (44 – 40 mpg imp), and has CO2 emissions of just 149 – 163 g/km (figures according to EU test cycle). The lithium-ion high-voltage battery can store sufficient energy to give an all-electric driving range of up to four kilometres (approx. 2.5 miles) at an average speed of 35 km/h (22 mph).
An interesting feature of the new BMW ActiveHybrid 5 comes in the form of a coasting mode, which is available at any speed up to 160 km/h (100 mph), with all safety and comfort functions remaining fully operational.
Coasting mode switches off the petrol engine and disconnects it from the drive shaft. From this point on, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 continues moving soundlessly, with zero emissions and with no engine braking effect.
BMW’s new ActiveHybrid 5 is expected to reach showrooms sometime in early 2012, with further details to be revealed closer to the market launch.
