BMW ActiveHybrid 5 (2012 – 2017) Review

September 2011

ActiveHybrid 5 launched

Arriving in the UK in February 2012 the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 delivers similar performance to a 535i, but with 16 per cent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. As a result, it sits six bands lower in the benefit-in-kind company car tax scale.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 features precise and intelligent energy management for maximum fuel efficiency. It has as standard BMW Professional Multimedia satellite navigation system, which can read the road ahead and prepare the car's powertrain and electrical systems to respond in the most efficient way. For example, if it detects a hilly stretch ahead, it stores energy in the battery so that the electric motor is ready to assist the engine, already knowing this will be recouped later in the journey.

The drivetrain of the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 combines the 306hp 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine of the 535i with a 54hp electric motor and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This is the first time an in-line six-cylinder engine has been part of a BMW ActiveHybrid system. Together, the engine and electric motor can generate a maximum 340hp and 450Nm of torque.

At speeds of up to 37mph the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 can travel up to 2.4 miles on electric power supplied by the high-performance lithium-ion battery stored in the boot, between the wheel housings. The electric motor, also integrated into the gearbox housing for the best packaging efficiency, delivers a maximum 210Nm of torque from rest.

The internal combustion engine - featuring a twin-scroll turbocharger, high-precision direct fuel injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing - comes into play only when the driver needs more power or the energy stored in the battery is exhausted. When accelerating, the electric motor assists the petrol engine by providing an additional boost. This results in acceleration to equal that of a 535i: zero to 62mph in 5.9 seconds, and a limited top speed of 155mph. The ActiveHybrid 5 has a clear edge in economy and emissions with a combined consumption figure of 44.1mpg and a CO2 output of 149g/km. This equates to a benefit-in-kind tax rate of only 19 per cent.

At speeds of up to 100mph the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is capable of cruising in ECO PRO mode when the driver lifts off the accelerator, running soundlessly with zero tailpipe emissions until the driver accelerates.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 uses an intelligent energy management system, integrated with the BMW Professional navigation system, which analyses data to sense when the driver's requirements are likely to change. Using this information, all the powertrain systems and on-board electronics are pre-prepared to make the most efficient use of the energy available.

The high-performance lithium-ion battery is charged whenever the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is braking, with the electric motor performing the role of a generator. Whenever the car comes to a standstill at junctions or traffic lights, a hybrid-specific version of the BMW EfficientDynamics Auto-Start Stop system switches off the internal combustion engine to save fuel and cut emissions. The Climate Control system continues to function using energy stored in the battery.

The operating status of the powertrain is displayed in the instrument cluster and on the iDrive central control unit's screen. This shows energy flow and recuperation, the boost being provided by the electric motor during acceleration, the battery's charge level and which powertrain is being used to drive the car.

The ActiveHybrid 5 is, first and foremost, a BMW with the same high level of dynamic driving ability as any other 5 Series. It is fitted as standard with Servotronic steering. The car comes with the full repertoire of BMW active safety features - Dynamic Stability Control + (DSC+) that includes Brake pre-tensioning, Hill-start assistant, Brake drying and Brake fade compensation. Collectively, these features ensure the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 remains stable and under the driver's control in all circumstance.

Hybrid-specific safety features include housing the high-voltage battery in a strong case in the boot, between the wheel arches. There is still a 375 litres boot at the driver's disposal. In a collision, the car's structural strength and sophisticated crumple zones not only keep impact forces away from the passenger cell, but also from the hybrid components.

Standard equipment on the ActiveHybrid 5 includes the BMW Professional Multimedia satellite navigation system, an eight-speed automatic transmission, four-zone climate control with Stationary cooling, 17-inch alloy wheels, black panel display and high-gloss Fineline Anthracite wood interior trim.

The car is distinguished by bespoke touches which highlight its identity. It has 'ActiveHybrid 5' script on the C-pillars, the BMW double-kidney grille with chrome slats, the door sill strips and on an aluminium plate on the centre console. Matt chrome tailpipes, a bespoke engine cover and 'ActiveHybrid Power Unit' inscription on the battery housing in the boot are other visible identifiers.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 will make its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on 30 November and goes into production at the company's Dingolfing plant in January, 2012. It will go on sale in the UK on 25 February, 2012, priced at £46,860 OTR.