ActiveHybrid will top BMW 5-series

The 5 GT launched in 2009 gave a peep of how the whole 5-series would develop into a complete range, topped by an efficient ActiveHybrid sedan. After the imposing Sports Activity Coupe, the series comprises now sedan and Touring body styles, blending sportivity, elegance and dynamic features. Sharing structural components with 7-series -also built at the Dingolfing factory- the new sedan and Touring 5-series increase their size to 4.9 m, yet fuel economy is improved: the 184 hp 520d, fitted as standard with a Start/Stop device, boasts an homologated consumption of 5.0 l/100 km, equivalent to an emission of 132 g/km of CO2. Two in-line six Diesels give 204 and 245 hp, while the gasoline offer has 6-cylinder engines from 204 to 306 hp, and the powerful V8 of the 550i, with 407 hp.

The ActiveHybrid sedan, still in concept phase, will follow the path of hybrid versions of X6 and 7-series, yet the V8 gasoline engine of those will give way to an in-line six with Twin Turbo technology, coupled to an 8-gear automatic transmission. Equipped with a 40 kW electric motor, the hybrid 5 combines outstanding performance, enhanced also by the electric drive, a further fuel economy improvement of ten percent and the possibility of selecting fully electric driving in low speed conditions. The electric system doubles as an energy recovery device while braking or in overrun moving.

In spite of its real size, the new sedan looks compact and sleek, yet room and trunk volume are adequate. The elegant Touring increases the cargo space and it features details as the rear glass opening at button touch independently of the tailgate, or the rear tray that lowers automatically when closing the tailgate.