BMW’s ActiveHybrid 5 Series is the first two mode hybrid from the brand. Unlike the X6 and 7 Series Hybrids (one was a learning tool codeveloped with Mercedes Benz and GM , the other is barely a hybrid) the 5 Series Hybrid follows the typical formula of two drivetrains that can work together or separate using a battery pack to supplement engine drive. There are some key additions to this formula that makes this a uniquely BMW solution.
First, let’s look at the facts. The ActiveHyrid 5 Series marries the familiar N55 TwinPower in-line six with an in-house developed electric drive system and the excellent and equally familiar ZF sourced 8-speed auto. The system gives the car an extra 35 hp over the standard 535i 300hp and allows the car to be driven on electric power up to 37 mph for 2.5 miles.
Today BMW Motorsport showed off the first of the six liveries the new BMW M3 DTM will be wearing. BMW will relaunch in DTM with three teams and 6 driver’s, each sporting an individual livery. Castrol/Aral and BMW Motorsport have created a fine looking car and we can’t wait to see it out on the track this season.
We’re just off the plane from having driven the new AH5 and will have our full review ready soon. But in the meantime you can get a first look at the car via BMWNA’s first official release.
Official release: BMW takes the development of intelligent hybrid drive systems to the next level with the introduction 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. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 brings together a BMW TwinPower Turbo in-line 6-cylinder engine, an electric drive system and an 8-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. All of which gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 an exceptional balance of performance and fuel efficiency for the benchmark performance sedan in the premium executive car class.
According to one of our sources the next generation M3 sedan will not be powered by the feared V6 engine. BMW M has been experimenting with various engine configurations for the new generation M3, ranging from a naturally aspirated V8, twin turbo V8 and V6 setups to the much rumored tri-turbo inline 6.
Maximilian Ahme will answer the questions of MPW members. He is responsible for the technology of the entire vehicle with the exception of the electronics.
When did work begin on the development of the BMW M5 and how many kilometres were covered during testing?
Two to three years must be allowed for testing the development of a BMW M. In some cases predecessor vehicles are used in the first phase, enabling initial engine tests to be carried out, for example. However, this is just a short phase. The fine tuning then involves the latest models. The development departments for engine, electronics, chassis, etc. each have their own test vehicles to enable them to put the latest technology to the test. Approximately 2 million kilometres were covered throughout the world by the new BMW M5 in this way.
How does the engine of the BMW M5 differ from that of the BMW X5 M/X6 M?
BMW continues to research “highly automated” driving. This video shows how far they’ve come and what the future holds. How do you feel about the car’s electronics taking over under certain conditions? We’d love to hear in the comments section!
It’s the dawn of a new age at M. Or depending on how you look at it, a return to form (a la the M535i). Either way these new diesels touched by the magic of M look and sounds fantastic. Perhaps more importantly, the numbers look extraordinary; 381 hp and 546 lb-ft from a triple turbocharged inline six. Power is driven through an eight speed automatic gearbox and put down to the pavement via a revised xDrive system. The results as impressive as expected – 0-60 should fall somewhere in the mid four second range.
But all that aside, it’s the engine’s technology that has our mouths watering.
First came the rumor. Then came the official admission. Now comes the debut. Today BMW M takes the wraps off of its first products with diesel engines. No they aren’t M cars in the classic sense but they are a new breed of cars created by M to bridge the gap between full M products and “Series” cars.
However being that these first products are diesel, they will not be coming to the US. With diesel certification an extraordinarily pricey affair for the US market, projected sales don’t justify the investment. Forbidden fruit or not, the numbers look extraordinary; 381 hp and 546 lb-ft from a triple turbocharged inline six. Power is driven through an eight speed automatic gearbox and put down to the pavement via a revised xDrive system. The results as impressive as expected – 0-60 should fall somewhere in the mid four second range.
Numbers aside it’s the engine that has us most interested. This is BMW’s first application of a triple turbo set-up and one of the first in the automotive industry. The size, arrangement and interplay of the turbos are designed to guarantee maximum power across the power range. The system comprises two smaller and one larger turbo. According to the driving situation, the low moment of inertia of the small turbochargers is exploited to the full to deliver razor-sharp responses, while the link-up with the large turbo is maximised to generate as much charge pressure as possible.
You can read more via the official press release below and the full gallery after the break. And if you still can’t get enough you can download the entire full (and lengthy) press release after the break.
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
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Sections: ActiveHybrid, F10 5 Series, Review Jan 31st, 2012 4 Comments 
