The ActiveHybrid version of BMW’s X6 SUV may soon be discontinued from the U.S.market due to poor sales, but the Munich-based carmaker is certainly not giving up on hybrid technology.
In fact, it just unveiled a hybrid version of the latest 5-Series mid-size luxury sedan at the Tokyo Motor Show. Not that you’d notice by looking at it, since only the “ActiveHybrid 5” badges on the C-pillars, grille and inner door sills differentiate it visually from the non-hybrid version.
BMW’s ActiveHybrid 5 is powered by a hybrid powertrain comprising of the 535i’s 306HP twin-turbocharged six-cylinder gasoline engine, a 55HP electric motor and a high-performance lithium-ion battery pack placed in the trunk.
The system has a combined output of 340HP and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of peak torque, with power transferred to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. BMW says that the ActiveHybrid 5 goes from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and can reach an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
The lithium-ion battery enables the hybrid 5-Series to be driven pure-electric mode at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph). BMW says that at an average speed of 35 km/h (22 mph), its all-electric range is a mere 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).
When the car is braking or coasting, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the battery, while under acceleration it boosts performance. Moreover, when cruising at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph) with the Eco Pro mode selected, the gasoline engine can be automatically switched off and decoupled, further reducing consumption.
Despite its performance, the ActiveHybrid 5 returns an average fuel consumption of 6.4-7.0 lt/100 km (44-40 mpg) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 149-163 g/km.
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