BMW has developed its intelligent hybrid drive technology to the next level with a further ActiveHybrid production model. Again, a petrol engine is combined with an electric motor to enhance both efficiency and the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure. The BMW 5 ActiveHybrid is the company’s first model to combine a BMW TwinPower Turbo six-in-line engine, an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The transmission sends combined power of up to 250 kW/340 hp to the rear wheels.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 5’s synchronous electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion high-voltage battery housed between the wheel arches in the boot. The latest-generation BMW ActiveHybrid technology also adds precisely controlled – and therefore extremely efficient – energy management to the mix. This means that for a car in the premium executive class, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 offers an exceptionally good balance between performance and fuel consumption.
All the hybrid-related powertrain and energy management components were developed specifically for the BMW ActiveHybrid 5. The result is an extremely well-integrated overall system which convincingly showcases the benefits of BMW ActiveHybrid technology out on the road. Needless to say, all the new hybrid components are designed to last the life of the vehicle. Award-winning engine is powerful and efficient: first BMW TwinPower Turbo six-in-line engine to be fitted in a hybrid model.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is the first hybrid model from BMW to use a six-cylinder in-line engine in its powertrain. Whereas the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and BMW ActiveHybrid X6 both utilise a V8 engine, which is combined with either one or two electric motors, the internal combustion engine in BMW’s third hybrid model is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Also featured in the BMW 535i, this six-cylinder petrol engine develops maximum power of 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm and maximum torque of 400 Newton metres (295 lb-ft) between 1,200 and 5,000 rpm, and has gained wide recognition as offering outstanding driving enjoyment and efficiency. It has already won the international “Engine of the Year” award two years in a row.
