BMW introduces 5 Series hybrid

It's been a long time coming, but BMW has finally introduced its ActiveHybrid5 to the market

BMW has taken the development of intelligent hybrid drive systems to the next level with the introduction of the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 – another series-produced model in which a combustion engine and electric motor join forces to enhance both efficiency and the brand’s driving experience.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 brings together a BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, an electric drive system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox for the first time. The latest generation of BMW ActiveHybrid technology also adds precisely controlled energy management to the mix.

All of this gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 an optimized balance of performance and fuel economy for the premium executive car class. Its drive system generates combined output of 250 kW, allows the car to be driven on electric power alone up to 60 km/h, accelerates the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, limits average fuel consumption to between 6.4 and 7.0 liters per 100 kilometers and has CO2 emissions of just 149 – 163 grams per kilometer.

The 225 kW six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is the same unit renowned for its free-revving capability, pulling power and efficiency in the BMW 535i. The electric motor, meanwhile, develops 40 kW and is supplied with energy by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area.

The blend of power from the two drive systems is transferred to the rear wheels by the eight-speed automatic gearbox. In addition to its full-hybrid construction, which enables purely electric and therefore emission-free driving in urban conditions, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 boasts not only segment topping performance, but also a double-digit percentage improvement in fuel economy over the BMW 535i.

In order to fully exploit the potential of the BMW ActiveHybrid technology, the intelligent energy management of the power electronics in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 uses a host of innovative functions to ensure the drive system runs efficiently.