2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5

2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5

Base Price     $60,950
Drivetrain     Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs)     4365
City (MPG)     23
Hwy (MPG)     30
Horsepower     335@5800
Torque (lb-ft)     300@1300-5000
Wheelbase     116.9
Length (in.)     193.1
Width (in.)     73.2
Height (in.)     57.6


The ActiveHybrid 5 is a puzzling vehicle. Based on BMW's 535i midsize luxury sedan, the ActiveHybrid 5 adds a costly gas-electric powertrain but offers barely any fuel economy or performance benefits.
To create the ActiveHybrid 5, BMW took the 300 horsepower, 300 lb-ft of torque 3.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged inline-six cylinder from the 535, along with its eight-speed automatic transmission and then added a 55 horsepower, 155 lb-ft or torque electric drive system. The result is a combined peak 335 horsepower (hybrids requite some fuzzy math) and the ability to drive up to 37 miles per hour on electric power alone. The electric power for the motor is provided from a lithium-ion battery with 96 cells and a usable capacity of 675 watt hours. BMW says the ActiveHybrid used both a 14.6 volt power supply and a 317 volt supply, with the two systems linked together through a voltage transformer.


Acceleration comes in at 5.7 seconds to sprint from a dead stop to 60 mph, which is every-so-slightly quicker than the 535i. The all-important fuel economy numbers: 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which is barely better than the significantly less-expensive 535i's 20/30 mpg figures.
Integrated into the standard Driving Dynamics Control is an ECO PRO mode, which is essentially a mode for those looking to hypermile. It modifies the driving systems for maximum efficiency, including making more frequent use of all-electric mode.
In ECO PRO mode, the combustion engine can be switched off and fully decoupled while coasting at speeds of up to 100 mph. Like all gas-electric hybrids, the ActiveHybrid 5 is also equipped with start-stop to eliminate fuel waste at traffic lights or in stop-and-go traffic.
Another way the ActiveHybrid 5 helps to deliver improved fuel efficiency is through the use of the navigation system to analyze driving conditions based on a selected route, and adjust accordingly. This enables the drive components to be primed to deliver maximum efficiency based on available data.

If you aren't in the mood for a leisurely drive, the ActiveHybrid 5 also offers Sport+, Sport, Comfort and Comfort+ (if optional Dynamic Damper Control is specified) modes. Other technologies included are Park Distance Control, a rear-view camera, Surround View, High-Beam Assistant, Parking Assistant, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition and Head-Up Display.

Occupant Safety
The ActiveHybrid 5 offers a full range of passive safety features, including extended crumple zones, six air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction and dynamic stability control, BMW Assist with collision notification, and optional rear passenger airbags.

Key Competitors
Those considering the ActiveHybrid 5 would be well-served to consider the Lexus GS 450h, the Infiniti M Hybrid and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid.