The premium, hot-rod hybrids such as the Infiniti M35h and upcoming Lexus GS450h will soon have one more competitor. For the 2012 model year, BMW will be releasing their version of a high-powered and fast gasoline-electric hybrid: the ActiveHybrid 5. If things go according to plan, BMW’s famed vault-like build quality and pristine handling dynamics will finally be available in a highly efficient and clean hybrid all wrapped up in the silky smooth body that is the current generation 5-Series.
The highlight of the ActiveHybrid 5 is under the hood. Paired to the tried-and-true 3.0 liter turbocharged DOHC direct injected straight six from the 535i is an electric motor assist system. Power for the motor is supplied by a lithium-ion battery with 96 cells. The ActiveHybrid 5 has the ability to drive on the gasoline engine or electric motor alone as well as a combination of the two. In all modes, power is put to the ground by way of the ZF-built eight speed automatic. Forward motion is possible in a completely zero emissions mode up to a speed of 37 mph but only for approximately 2.5 miles. When a driver wants more power, the 55 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque from the electric motor is paired with the “306” horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from the turbo straight six. Combined total output for the ActiveHybrid 5 is 340 horsepower and over 400 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration will be on par with the other hot-rod hybrids as 62 mph will be seen from a standstill in 5.9 seconds.
Maybe more important than the car’s acceleration and power figures are its efficiency numbers. Hybrids must report back high miles per gallon if they ever want to be successful and the ActiveHybrid 5 should be no exception. Average fuel economy is expected to be between 40 and 44 mpg with hypermile-friendly features such as start-stop and a coasting mode that shuts down the gas engine on the overrun. Without a doubt, a few smart drivers will be able to see higher fuel economy figures out of the ActiveHybrid 5. Alongside its good fuel mileage are low emissions. According to the European Union’s test cycle, C02 output is just 149 to 163 grams per kilometre, easily making the BMW an ultra low emissions car.
Word is still out about pricing and availability. BMW has a history of playing much nicer with its home-town market than the United States, so one can only hope that the 2012 ActiveHybrid 5 might make it onto American soil.
Source: BMW
