BMW is expanding its hybrid range with the 5 Series ActiveHybrid. Don't be fooled by the concept tag BMW has attached to its
Geneva show star though: this petrol-electric hybrid will be on sale in Europe early in 2011 to join the
X6 and
7 Series ActiveHybrid models.
Called the 'Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid' for the show, it uses a 300bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol engine, as found in the 535i, along with an uprated electric motor. For the 5 Series, BMW has upped the power of the electric motor from 15kW in the 7 Series to 40kW so that the car can run solely on electric power for short periods.
The 5 Series ActiveHybrid has the capacility to run on battery power alone at speeds of up to 30mph. After that, the petrol engine will come in to play. A clutch between the electric motor and the engine allows the two to be disengaged so the petrol unit does not create drag on the transmission when the car is running only on battery power.
Other fuel-saving measures used on the 5 Series ActiveHybrid include Auto Start Stop to switch the engine off when the car is at a standstill and climate control that only works when required.
The car can also adjust its driving operations to deal with traffic and road conditions. It does this using the satellite navigation and traffic reports, as well as monitoring the weather, to predict the driving conditions ahead. This allows the car to recharge its battery when travelling downhill without the driver having to alter his behaviour. The car can also switch off the charging system if it knows the battery is fully charged and so save energy.
BMW is also keen to point out that the ActiveHybrid does not compromise the driving dynamics of the 5 Series. The company says all of the
new model's dynamic abilities are retained with the ActiveHybrid but with the added performance offered by the petrol-electric power combination.
No word on when the 5 Series ActiveHybrid will reach the UK, but expect to see it in showrooms and on company car lists from the middle of 2011.
Alisdair Suttie - 26 Feb 2010
