The X6 Active Hybrid may be seeing the end of its production day, but BMW->ke178 is still forging ahead in its environmental pursuit with the new ActiveHybrid5. The new hybrid sedan will go on sale in March 2012.

The BMW ActiveHybrid5 combines a BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, an electric drive system, and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. With a total output of 340 HP, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 has become the most powerful and efficient full hybrid in its segment. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and deliver a fuel economy of 44 – 40 mpg. The 55 HP electric engine offers an all-electric driving range of up to 2.5 miles at an average speed of 22 mph.

The BMW ActiveHybrid5 will feature the same design language as the standard 5-Series->ke317, but will be further identified by "ActiveHybrid 5" lettering on the C-pillars, a BMW kidney grille with galvanized slats, and exhaust matte chrome tailpipes.

UPDATE 01/09/2012: BMW showed up to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show with pricing for their ActiveHybrid 5. The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is scheduled to arrive in US BMW Centers in late Spring 2012 at a starting price of $61,845 (including the $895 Destination and Handling charge).

UPDATE 01/30/2012: BMW has announced that the new ActiveHybrid 5 will go on sale in March 2012 with a base MSRP of $61,845 (including $895 destination and handling). Next to this bit of news, the company has also unveiled a new set of images for the hybrid sedan. Enjoy!

Hit the jump to read more about the BMW ActiveHybrid 5.

2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5
  • Engine/Motor: six-cylinder in-line engine with an electric motor
  • Horsepower: 355
  • Torque: 450
  • Transmission: eight-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new ActiveHybrid5 hasn't received any dramatic changes to the exterior or interior mainly because the true star of this show is the hybrid technology. A few minor differences in appearance are the "ActiveHybrid 5" lettering on the C-pillars, the BMW kidney grille with galvanized slats, and the exhaust matte chrome tailpipes. The ActiveHybrid5 will also be the only model in the BMW 5-Series line-up to be produced in a Bluewater metallic exterior paint color. A new set of 18" Streamline light-alloy wheels with exceptional aerodynamic efficiency will be offered as an option for customers.

Interior

The interior also received a few minor additions including door sill strips bearing the "ActiveHybrid 5" lettering, an aluminum plate on the center console with the same ID, a bespoke engine cover, and the visible "ActiveHybrid Power Unit" inscription on the special casing for the high-performance battery accommodated in the luggage area.

Engine

The ActiveHybrid5 is based on the 535i so it gets a 3.0 liter six-cylinder in-line engine that delivers a total of 300 HP and a peak torque of 295 lb-ft. This engine will be combined with an electric drive system that delivers a total of 55 HP and 155 lb-ft of torque available from rest. With a total output of 355 HP and 450 lb-ft of torque, the ActiveHybrid5 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and deliver a fuel economy of 44 – 40 mpg. The electric engine takes its power from a lithium-ion high-performance battery that offers an all-electric driving range of up to 2.5 miles at an average speed of 22 mph.

This hybrid system is combined with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a specially designed Hybrid Auto Start-Stop function. The Auto Start-Stop allows the automatic climate control to run off the lithium ion battery when the internal combustion engine is turned off. Once the brake is released, the ActiveHybrid5 will restart using the electric motor alone or the inline six/electric motor combination, depending on the power used. It also features a coasting mode that shuts down the internal combustion engine and disconnects it from the drive shaft when the vehicle is stationary or coasting at higher speeds of up to 100 mph. All safety and comfort features for the 5-Series will still operate while the vehicle is in coasting mode.

The BMW ActiveHybrid5 is also equipped with a Driving Experience Control switch as standard that offers four driving modes: Sport+, Sport, Comfort, and ECO PRO. This system supports a particularly relaxed and fuel-efficient driving style. In addition to this feature, the 5-Series' power electronics are integrated into the standard navigation system so that it can provide proactive analysis of driving conditions based on the selected route for maximum efficiency.

The list of options for the BMW ActiveHybrid5 includes: Park Distance Control, a rear-view camera, Surround View, Adaptive Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, Speed Limit Info, BMW Parking Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, and the BMW Head-Up Display.

Prices

The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is scheduled to arrive in US BMW Centers in late Spring 2012 at a starting price of $61,845 (including the $895 Destination and Handling charge).

Competition

BMW's latest hybrid model delivers an impressive output. So much so that BMW is calling it "the most powerful and efficient full hybrid in its segment." That is fine and dandy, but Infiniti's M35h is still more impressive than the ActiveHybrid5. It is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 combined with an electric motor for a total output of 360 HP. The model is on sale at a starting price of $53,700.