February 2012 will see the launch of a new hybrid car from BMW – the ActiveHybrid 5 - which will be a petrol-electric saloon car based on the company’s 5 Series.
The new BMW Active Hybrid 5 will be able to deliver similar performance levels to a 535i, but with 16% lower fuel consumption. An advanced energy management system will maximise fuel efficiency by working together with the Professional Multimedia satellite navigation system that will come as standard, in order to monitor the road ahead and prepare the car's systems to respond in the most efficient way possible.
The drivetrain will combine a 3.0-litre 306bhp TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, identical to the one found in the 535i, with a 54bhp electric motor and an 8-speed automatic transmission. When combined they will be capable of delivering 340bhp and 332lb-ft torque, and will be able to accelerate the vehicle from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 155mph. Combined fuel consumption comes in at 44.1mpg, with CO2 emission of 149g/km.
When driving at speeds of up to 100mph the new BMW ActiveHybrid 5 will be able to cruise in ECO PRO mode whenever the driver takes their foot of the accelerator, meaning the car will run soundlessly and with no tailpipe emissions until the driver accelerates again.
The lithium-ion battery gets charged whenever the car brakes, and when the car is at a standstill at junctions or traffic lights a hybrid-specific version of BMW’s EfficientDynamic Auto Start Stop system will turn off the petrol engine to save fuel and reduce emissions.
An extensive set of equipment and features will be included with the ActiveHybrid 5, including Servotronic steering, Dynamic Stability Control + with brake pre-tensioning, Hill-start assist and brake fade compensation.
The car will also come with the BMW Professional Multimedia satellite navigation system, four-zone climate control, 17 inch alloys, black panel display and high-gloss gloss Fineline Anthracite wood interior trim as standard.
Boot space is slightly reduced because of the battery which is located there, but still runs to 375-litres.
Exterior styling will include the ActiveHybrid 5 script on the BMW double-kidney grille with chrome slats, C-pillars, and door sill strips. It will also feature matt chrome tailpipes and a bespoke engine cover.
The new car will make its first appearance on 30 November at the Tokyo Motor show, and will go into production in January 2012 before going on sale in the UK on 25 February 2012 with a list price of £46,860 OTR.
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