BMW’s ActiveHybrid technology is coming to Australia with the October launch of the ActiveHybrid 5 model in October. ActiveHybrid3 and ActiveHybrid 7 are following.
Priced from $122,900, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 employs BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with a 40kW electric motor fitted ahead of the eight-speed automatic transmission and powered by a lithium-ion battery stored in the boot. Standard equipment levels mirror the BMW 535i.
BMW ActiveHybrid 5 delivers 225kW/400Nm from the petrol engine however addition of the electric motor boosts these figures to 250kW/450Nm. Zero to 100km/h takes 5.9 seconds (6.1 seconds for the regular 535i).
The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 can be driven emissions free on pure electric power at low speeds and the combination of the electric motor and BMW’s existing EfficientDynamics technology results in a reduction in fuel economy down to 6.4l/100kms – 7.0l/100kms (European figures) depending on the wheel and tyre combination fitted.
Intelligent energy management is at the heart of BMW’s hybrid technology – the ActiveHybrid 5 using regenerative braking with the electric motor transformed into a generator, proving charge to the battery but switching to provide extra urge when accelerating. And when coasting at speeds up to 160km/h, switching to Eco Pro mode enables the petrol engine to be switched off/decoupled from the drivetrain.
On the outside you can identify the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 by its 18-inch Streamline alloy wheels, matt chrome exhaust tailpipes, galvanized grille slats and ‘ActiveHybrid 5’ C-pillar badges. The hybrid 5 Series is available in a unique ‘Liquid Blue’ metallic paint colour.
Inside are some ‘ActiveHybrid 5’ badges and of course the boot has the battery housed in its special cover with ‘ActiveHybrid Power Unit’ logo.
BMW Australia will boost its ActiveHybrid range with the launch of the 3 Series model late this year while the ActiveHybrid 7 will arrive in the first quarter of next year.
