BMW has announced the roll out date for the Active5 Hybrid: March 2012. First revealed at the Geneva Auto Show in 2010, the BMW Active5 Hybrid is based on the 5-series and uses the chassis of the BMW 535i.
As a hybrid, the Active5 uses both a 3-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine and a 40-kilowatt electric motor. Together they work to produce a total of 340 hp and allow the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds. The Active5 has an 8-speed automatic transmission and is expected to get 40 to 44 mpg, although no specific announcement has been made for the American version.
The Active5, which is BMW’s third hybrid, also includes automatic stop-start technology. When the vehicle is stopped, it turns off the engine, and turns it back on once the vehicle starts moving again. The car’s lithium ion battery also charges while the car is coasting or braking.
To conserve energy, the Active5 uses satellite navigation, which scans the road ahead. It then takes that information and adjusts its energy usage accordingly. For example, if the car will be climbing uphill, the system conserves battery power so it can kick in to help the engine once the car reaches the incline. The car can also use only electric power to drive 2.4 miles at a top speed of 37 mph.
While the car has all the features of a hybrid vehicle, it still retains the look of luxury that BMW drivers have come to expect. It also includes a four-zone climate control system.
The pricing hasn’t been announced yet for the Active5’s US roll out; however, in Europe it will start at 62,900 euro. Be on the look out for this new hybrid in March 2012.
