2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 Road Test

We are in a prosy bureau in Munich. Toyota has gained cult status with Prius by fusing a gasoline engine with electric generator said Luther. They could combine a four-cylinder turbo with their own generator and create one of the most efficient executive sedans of the world – 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5.

The Reality

Fast-forward 4 years and on an unpleasantly cold day in Lisbon, Portugal, we’re confronted with 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5’s reality. The company knows that hybrid car shoppers like to scream about their purchase, even if it is only used as shuttle to private airport. The ActiveHybrid 5 has not gained any dramatic changes to the interior or exterior primarily due to the true star of this show is hybrid technology. A few minor differences in appearance are ActiveHybrid 5 lettering on BMW kidney grille with galvanized slats, exhaust matte chrome tailpipes and C-pillars. It will be the only model in the company’s lineup to be designed and developed in Bluewater metallic exterior paint color. The Streamline light alloy 18-inch wheels with outstanding aerodynamic efficiency will be available as an optional feature for customers. The company has to show what you can experience with it. You have to be able to see and feel the character. The design makes a promise, which is met during driving, said Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design.

The contemporary, self-confident cabin of 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 welcomes its driver. Taut surfaces and tight lines structure the cabin and impart generous feeling of space. Individual climate control starts even before you start your journey: In BMW ActiveHybrid 5, the car key is able to remotely active the automatic climate control. During hot weather, Stationary cooling cools the cabin from extremely high temperature to bearable level in 2 to 3 minutes, without any need to start the engine. The electric climate compressor takes care of cooling function using the energy gained in high-power battery. The moment the engine starts up, the temperature is then lowered further to comfortable range or to desired temperature. Stationary cooling in ActiveHybrid 5 can be activated through radio control key before you enter the vehicle, which enables you to create a more pleasant climate in the vehicle even before you start your journey.

The Drive

As with almost all modern BMWs, the drive of 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 can’t be undertaken without originally engaging in a little computer science. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 symbolizes the next generation performance hybrid with system output of 340 horsepower with 450 newton meters of torque. Its potent BMW straight six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine fuses TwinScroll turbocharger with double VANOS, high precision and Valvetronic injection for the first time in conjunction with electric generator.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo engine has lightweight design. Thanks to its TwinScroll turbocharger, it generates a mighty 306 horsepower with 400 newton meters of torque with the top speed of 250km/h. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in the time range of 5.9 seconds. The second component of the performance hybrid is a 40kW electric motor, which can drive the vehicle completely electrically up to maximum speed of 60 km/h and supports combustion power train while overtaking, on uphill gradients and in other driving conditions where spontaneous acceleration is needed. The electric generator is motivated by a high-performance lithium-ion battery through rear axle.

Traffic jams, red lights and railway crossings in everyday driving conditions, there are countless instances where the engine is idling, unnecessarily burning fuel. The Hybrid Start Stop function of 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 switches off the engine when the car stops briefly, avoiding burning of fuel. The Hybrid Start Stop function automatically switches off the combustion engine once the car comes to complete stop. Then the high-performance battery ensures that significant functions, including air conditioning continue to run. When you press the accelerator pedal, the car starts off under electric power. If greater acceleration is desired, the combustion engine is connected again, which results to fewer emissions and reduced consumption.

Not Slow

The eco-credentials of 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 sometimes feel slightly unsubstantiated, however there is not denying its rapidity. According to BMW figures, its large dollop of instantaneous torque from electric generator helps propel ActiveHybrid 5 from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds.  The most comfortable and dynamic way to save: eight-speed automatic transmission Steptronic not only reduces background noise at high speeds and ensures incredibly smooth changes, but also drastically reduces fuel consumption.

Only the tachometer will unveil how seamlessly and fast the eight-speed automatic transmission Steptronic shifts gears. The individual gears reduce its engine’s rev interval between shifts, so the transmission process is hardly noticeable. Simultaneously, the engine is always held at a performance level at which it can optimally utilize its efficiency and strength. The system is supported by a more efficient and newly developed converter clutch. Additional gears decrease the number of revolutions at high speeds, reducing both engine noise and fuel consumption.

The Economy

The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 uses the next-generation hybrid technology. Interaction between numerous additional measures from BMW EfficientDynamics and ECO PRO Mode ensures maximum efficiency without compromising on its dynamic driving qualities. It is vital that energy is used only when it is really required. Consequently, the electric boost function becomes active during passing or on uphill grades. It then briefly supports combustion engine with additional power. Besides, pure electrical driving is implemented in urban traffic as often as possible.

In an ECO PRO Mode that can be activated with a driving experience switch if necessary, more pronounced electric driving is possible. Additionally, the driver is offered with ECO PRO tips on how to drive particularly efficiently if needed. As a driver you decide yourself what savings potential you want to use. The ECO PRO Mode allows customers to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent, depending on individual driving behavior. In the process, the extra range in an on-board computer shows you exactly how many more kilometers you can drive.

There aren’t EPA figures yet for ActiveHybrid 5, but one can learn something about its efficiency by studying European figures. It generates 149 g/km of carbon dioxide, which is 19 percent or 36g/km less as compared to 535i.

Final Thoughts

The real role in life of 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is to serve as a poster boy for the company’s EfficientDynamics program, at least till the i3 and i8 are introduced. The company admits that it is expected to account for below 5% of 5 Series sales in United States and that many customers will choose it as much for what it says as what it does. This remains a great puzzle of hybrid ownership. The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 might be a significant pointer to the future, but right now we struggle to recommend it over standard 535i.

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