The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 - Intelligent
hybrid drive meets efficiency
Munich - BMW takes the development of
intelligent hybrid drive systems to the next level with the introduction
of the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 – another series-produced model in which a
combustion engine and electric motor join forces to enhance both
efficiency and the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 brings together a
BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, an electric drive
system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox for the first time. The
latest generation of BMW ActiveHybrid technology also adds precisely
controlled – and therefore extremely effective – energy management to
the mix.
All of which gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 5
an exceptional balance of performance and fuel economy for the premium
executive car class. Its drive system generates combined output of 250
kW/340 hp, allows the car to be driven on electric power alone up to 60
km/h (37 mph), accelerates the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 from 0 to 100 km/h (62
mph) in 5.9 seconds, limits average fuel consumption to between 6.4 and
7.0 litres per 100 kilometres (44 – 40 mpg imp) and has CO2 emissions of
just 149 – 163 grams per kilometre (figures according to EU test cycle,
may vary according to the tyre format specified).
The 225 kW/306 hp six-cylinder
in-line engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in the BMW
ActiveHybrid 5 is the same unit renowned for its free-revving
capability, pulling power and efficiency in the BMW 535i. The
electric motor, meanwhile, develops 40 kW/55 hp and is supplied
with energy by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated
into the luggage area.
A harmonious blend of power from the two
drive systems is transferred to the rear wheels by the eight-speed
automatic gearbox. In addition to its full-hybrid construction, which
enables purely electric and therefore emission-free driving in urban
conditions, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 boasts not only the sportiest
performance in its market segment but also a double-digit percentage
improvement in fuel economy over the BMW 535i.
In order to fully exploit the potential of
the BMW ActiveHybrid technology, the intelligent energy management of
the power electronics in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 uses a host of
innovative functions to ensure the drive system runs efficiently. The
lithium-ion high-performance battery is charged when the car is 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 a noticeably sharper edge. Added to
which, while coasting at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph) 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. Plus, the
power electronics in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 are linked up with the
standard-fitted navigation system Professional. This allows
forward-looking analysis of the driving situation, enabling the drive
components to be primed to deliver maximum efficiency (the effect may
vary according to the quality of the available navigation data).
All the hybrid-specific components of the
drive technology and energy management systems have been developed
specially for use in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5. The result is an extremely
well-rounded overall concept, which also provides a convincing
demonstration of the BMW ActiveHybrid technology’s qualities out on the
road. Needless to say, all of the new hybrid components are designed to
last for the life of the vehicle.
