BMW 5 Series Hybrid Is Already Raising Eyebrows

Created Date: 05/10/2011

BMW have been making a fair few shock announcements as of recent – their rumoured i8 prototype hit with a bang and was undeniably outstanding; and now it seems their doing it all over again with this interesting spin-off of the 5-Series. It may be a simple 5 Series on the outside, but this eco friendly tree hugger carries a few clever energy saving technologies on the inside to make it stand out from the crowd and appeal to all those eco-conscious, economical folk out there.Dubbed the “Active Hybrid 5”, it carries a 3.0 litre, 306hp twin turbo engine identical to the 535i, only with the addition of a 55hp electric motor to help ease some pressure off the main petrol one. BMW say that with the addition of the electric motor, it manages to achieve a 16 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared with the original 535i model. Putting this into practice should be easy, as the primary purpose of said electric motor is to help out in slow moving traffic and stop-starts. Any city driving at peak times should see a significant improvement in fuel economy and MPG. 

Powered by a lithium-ion battery pack which is neatly tucked away in the car’s boot, the new 5-series is capable of being driven at speeds of up to 37mph on electricity alone. A total electric distance of 2.5 miles is achievable before the battery depletes when averaging 22mph. It is possible to recharge the battery with the help of the Active Hybrid’s regenerative brakes, as well as its start- stop system which shuts the engine down in busy traffic to conserve fuel. In fact, overall economy figures have all improved over the standard 5 series, with the MPG now up to 44 and the CO2 rating down at only 149g/km. This means that you’ll be able to enjoy a benefit-in-kind tax rate of only 19% and an annual VED road tax of only £130. Not only this, but the speed figures have actually risen also. This hybrid model is in fact faster than the standard 535i automatic – it can get from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds vs. the original 535i’s 6.1 seconds. The only thing that is to be considered lesser in this model is the boot space, which falls from 520 litres to 375 litres to accommodate that lithium battery.

The BMW Active Hybrid 5 will make its first official worldwide debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on 30 November, with production at the company's Dingolfing plant starting in January, 2012. It is scheduled to go on sale in the UK on the 25th February 2012, with a starting price of £46,860 – putting it in similar price pegging to the old non-hybrid petrol 5 series. However, when you consider the money saved on fuel economy, CO2 emissions and its huge jump in MPG, it should turn out to be a definite money saver. This is certainly one to keep an eye on if you’re a keen city driver who wants class without cost.

Sources 

http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/bmw-activehybrid-5-price-revealed/259391

http://www.gizmag.com/bmw-activehybrid-5/20012/

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=259370

http://www.nextgreencar.com/news-item.php?BMW-announces-ActiveHybrid-5-delivery

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