BMW has released details of its new hybrid 5 Series saloon that is set to hit UK showrooms in February 2012 carrying a price tag of £46,860. The ActiveHybrid 5 uses the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol engine in conjunction with a 54bhp electric motor to deliver a combined output of 355bhp and 332lb.ft of torque, delivered to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The ActiveHybrid 5 can run on electric power alone for up to 2.4 miles at speeds below 37mph or cruise on the motorway up to 100mph - or until the driver pushes the accelerator. When not driving efficiently the ActiveHybrid 5 can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds before sailing on to an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph. On the combined cycle it will return 44.1mpg while emitting 149g/km, meaning benefit-in-kind tax rate of 19 per cent, some six bands lower than the 535i on which it is based.
The standard fit BMW Professional Multimedia satnav has been integrated into the ActiveHybrid 5's energy management system and has the ability to read the road ahead and sense a likely change in the driver's power requirements and prepare the powertrain to suit.
Custom ActiveHybrid 5 touches include badges on the grille, C-pillars and door sills, 17-inch alloy wheels, matt chrome tailpipes and a Fineline Anthracite wood trim for the interior.
The production ready BMW ActiveHybrid 5 will make its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on 30 November.
Paul Healy - 4 Oct 2011