Published: 01/24/2012
What's New for 2012
The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is an all-new model.
Introduction
With hybrid versions of its bread-and-butter and flagship sedans (3 Series and 7 Series, respectively) in the lineup, BMW fills in the mainstream middle with the new 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5. The 5 Series hybrid will use a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder paired with an electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack and an eight-speed automatic transmission for a combined output of 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. That's about 10 percent more power compared to the regular 535i sedan's turbo-6, and it helps the ActiveHybrid 5 hustle from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, according to BMW -- slightly faster than the regular 535i.
EPA fuel economy estimates are still pending, but given that the 535i six-cylinder returns 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg highway, we'd expect the ActiveHybrid 5 -- aided by engine start-stop and brake regeneration features -- to achieve a few mpg beyond that. The ActiveHybrid 5 will also feature what BMW calls "intelligent energy management," which monitors road conditions through the navigation system and optimizes battery use for hills, grades, or slow-and-go city traffic along a programmed route.
Of course, the ActiveHybrid 5 is still a 5 Series. It will likely offer the same driver-selectable dynamic modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport +) as the standard 5 Series, but also a hybrid-specific mode that calibrates throttle, steering and handling for greener sport driving.
Available in late spring, the 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 will start at nearly $62,000. That's a hefty premium -- almost $9,000 -- over the standard 535i, and about $7,000 more than the comparable Infiniti M35h. Check back for a full review of the ActiveHybrid 5, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.
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