Intelligence breeds efficiency:

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 launched

Prestige Automobile (Pvt) Ltd, the agent of BMW in sri Lanka announced the launch 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. It will be retailing at their showroom in Pannipitiya Road, Battaramulla.

Officials at the launch. Pictures by Saliya Rupasinghe

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 - intelligent 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.

The drive system generates combined output of 340hp, allows the car to be driven on electric power alone up to 60km/h, accelerates the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, cuts average fuel consumption to 6.4litres per 100 kilometres and has CO2 emissions of just 149g/km.

"With the BMW ActiveHybrid 5, BMW has taken its intelligent hybrid technology to the next level. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is the company's first model to combine a BMW TwinPower inline-six engine, an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission," said Mr Andreas Rein the Area Manager of BMW Group Asia. "With a combined output of up to 340 hp, the precisely controlled power splitting between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor has proved to be an exhilarating hybrid driving experience".

The 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.

BMW ActiveHybrid 5

The electric motor, meanwhile, develops 55hp and is supplied with energy from a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area. 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 local emission-free driving in urban conditions, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 boasts not just highly sporty performance but also a 16 percent 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 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 a sharper edge.

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.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 sees the sporty yet elegant body design of the BMW 5 Series Sedan complemented by bespoke touches which highlight the identity of its drive technology.