Lower emissions, more driving pleasure; BMWs EfficientDynamics development strategy, which pioneered many of the fuel-saving technologies now commonplace on the road today, has taken the next step towards emmission free motoring with the Australian introduction of BMW ActiveHybrid technology.
The latest ActiveHybrid drivetrain technology joins a host of already familiar and cutting edge EfficientDynamics features in three models, the ActiveHybrid 3, 5 and 7 Series make-up BMW’s initial ActiveHybrid line-up, led by the arrival of the ActiveHybrid 5 in October, priced from $122,900.
BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton said the BMW ActiveHybrid models showcase the very latest fuel saving technology without sacrificing the power and driving dynamics synonymous with “the Ultimate Driving Machine”.
“The EfficientDynamics strategy is the foundation of everything we do and the ActiveHybrid models represent the next step towards zero emission motoring,” said Mr Horton.
“The arrival of these new ActiveHybrid models, starting with the ActiveHybrid 5, demonstrates BMW’s commitment to, and progress towards the future of sustainable mobility” said Mr Horton.
At the heart of each BMW ActiveHybrid model is the brand’s multi award winning 3.0 litre straight six-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, renowned for its free-revving capability, pulling power and fuel efficiency.
Sitting between the engine and the transmission is a 40 kW electric motor that is supplied with energy by a compact, high-performance lithium-ion battery neatly integrated into the luggage area.
Power from the two drive systems is transferred to the rear wheels by the eight-speed automatic gearbox. The ActiveHybrid 5 petrol engine develops 225 kW and 400 Nm of torque however in combination with the 40 kW electric motor, the power is boosted to 250 kW and 450 Nm, propelling the ActiveHybrid 5 from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
In addition to its full-hybrid construction, which enables purely electric emission-free driving at lower speeds, the BMW ActiveHybrid technology provides more than a ten percent improvement in average fuel economy in the combine cycle EU test.
The combination of EfficientDynamics features and the ActiveHybrid technology enable fuel consumption for the ActiveHybrid 5 of between 6.4 and 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of just 149 – 163 g/km, depending on the wheel and tyre combination fitted.
In order to fully exploit the potential of the BMW ActiveHybrid technology, the intelligent energy management of the power electronics uses a host of innovative functions to ensure the drive system runs efficiently. Charging of the high-performance battery primarily takes place during coasting or braking, the electric motor performing the role of a generator feeding energy into the high-voltage battery. By contrast, under acceleration the electric motor takes on a boost function. Here, it assists the petrol engine by generating an ultra-dynamic burst of power, lending the sedan’s sporty driving experience an even sharper edge.
Additionally, while coasting at speeds of up to 160 km/h in ECO PRO mode, the combustion engine can be switched off and fully decoupled. This coasting mode combines comfortable driving with optimum utilisation of the kinetic energy already generated. To avoid periods with the engine running at idle – at junctions or in traffic tailbacks, for example – the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is equipped with a hybrid start-stop function.
Similarly equipped to the 535i, the ActiveHybrid 5 shares most of the standard specification features such as Bi-Xenon headlights, Bluetooth Mobile phone preperation, Head Up display, Internet function and Professional Navigation. It is differentiated from the 535i however, by also having a 4-zone climate control system with stationary air conditioning as part of the standard kit.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is the only model in the BMW 5 Series line-up to be available in the exterior paint shade Liquid Blue metallic.”ActiveHybrid 5″ lettering on the C-pillars, galvanised slats in the BMW kidney grille, matt chrome exhaust tailpipes and 18-inch Streamline light-alloy wheels displaying exceptional aerodynamic efficiency all help to distinguish the ActiveHybrid 5 from the other models in the range.
Addtional interior features that help it stand out visually from all other 5 Series variants include “ActiveHybrid 5” lettering on the door sills, an aluminium model designation plate on the centre console, a bespoke engine cover and the visible “ActiveHybrid Power Unit” inscription on the special casing for the high-performance battery accommodated in the luggage area.
The ActiveHybrid 5 goes on sale in Australia in October and will be joined by the ActiveHybrid 3 towards the end on the year. The range will then be bolstered with the ActiveHybrid 7 Series in the first quarter of 2013.
Pricing information#: Incl. GST Incl. LCT
BMW ActiveHybrid 5 $122,900
#Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST & LCT but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Luxury Car Tax (LCT) applies where the total sales prices (excluding stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges only) is above the LCT threshold. The LCT threshold in this case is $75,375. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.
* Fuel consumption based upon Combined Driving Test Cycle from ADR 81/02