The BMW ActiveHybrid 5. Intelligence breeds efficiency.

Singapore. BMW Asia today announced the launch 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 hallmark driving pleasure.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 will be retailing at BMW’s authorised distributor in Singapore – Performance Motors Limited.

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 – and therefore extremely effective – intelligent energy management to the mix. All of which gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 an exceptional balance of performance and fuel economy for the premium executive car class.

The drive system generates combined output of 340hp, allows the car to be driven on electric power alone up to 60km/h, accelerates the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, cuts average fuel consumption to 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres and has CO2 emissions of just 149g/km.

“With the BMW ActiveHybrid 5, BMW has taken its intelligent hybrid technology to the next level. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is the company’s first model to combine a BMW TwinPower inline-six engine, an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission,” said Mr Neil Fiorentinos, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia. “With a combined output of up to 340 hp, the precisely controlled power splitting between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor has proved to be an exhilarating hybrid driving experience”.

Latest-generation BMW ActiveHybrid technology: inline-six engine, electric motor, lithium-ion battery.

The 306 hp 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 55hp and is supplied with energy from a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area. Power from the two drive systems is transferred to the rear wheels by the eight-speed sport automatic gearbox. In addition to its full-hybrid construction, which enables purely electric and therefore local emission-free driving in urban conditions, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 boasts not just highly sporty performance but also a 16 percent improvement in fuel economy over the BMW 535i.

Superior efficiency thanks to ECO PRO mode including coasting and intelligent energy management.

In order to fully exploit the potential of the BMW ActiveHybrid technology, the intelligent energy management of the power electronics uses a host of innovative functions to ensure the drive system runs efficiently. Charging of the high-performance battery primarily takes place during coasting or braking, the electric motor performing the role of a generator feeding energy into the high-voltage battery. By contrast, under acceleration the electric motor takes on a boost function. Here, it assists the petrol engine by generating an ultra-dynamic burst of power, lending the sedan’s sporty driving experience a sharper edge.

Moreover, while coasting at speeds of up to 160 km/h in ECO PRO mode, the combustion engine can be switched off and fully decoupled. This coasting mode combines comfortable driving with optimum utilisation of the kinetic energy already generated. To avoid periods with the engine running at idle – at junctions or in traffic tailbacks, for example – the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is equipped with a hybrid start-stop function. Plus, the power electronics in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 are linked up with the standard-fitted Navigation system Professional.

All the hybrid-specific components of the drive technology and energy management systems have been developed specially for use in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5. The result is an extremely well-rounded overall concept, which also provides a convincing demonstration of the BMW ActiveHybrid technology’s qualities out on the road. Needless to say, all of the new hybrid components are designed to last for the life of the vehicle.

Design: sporty elegance with individual accents.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 sees the sporty yet elegant body design of the BMW 5 Series Sedan complemented by bespoke touches which highlight the identity of its drive technology. The “ActiveHybrid 5” lettering on the C-pillars, the BMW kidney grille with galvanised slats and the exhaust matt chrome tailpipes set the exterior apart from the other models in the range. Available as standard, meanwhile, are 18-inch Streamline light-alloy wheels displaying exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is the only model in the BMW 5 Series line-up to be available in the exterior paint shade Bluewater, and it also stands out visually from all other 5 Series variants with door sill strips bearing “ActiveHybrid 5” lettering, an aluminium plate on the centre console with the same ID, a bespoke engine cover and the visible “ActiveHybrid Power Unit” inscription on the special casing for the high-performance battery accommodated in the luggage area.

High-grade standard fittings, wide-ranging options.

The selection of interior colours, upholstery and interior trim elements reflects the range offered for the other BMW 5 Series Sedan variants. And added to the standard-fitted array of comfort-enhancing features is not only the Navigation system Professional, but also a four-zone climate control system with stationary air conditioning.

Production at BMW Plant Dingolfing.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 will be produced at BMW Plant Dingolfing – the BMW Group’s largest production plant worldwide – alongside the other BMW 5 Series models, ensuring that it benefits from the same high standards of quality and production efficiency. The integration into the production process of BMW ActiveHybrid technology is underpinned by the intelligent combination of state-of-the-art automated process engineering and the skilled craftsmanship of specially trained employees.

Source: BMW Asia