BMW Active Hybrid 5

On the inside, BMW might have retained the basic cabin design of the previous generation 5 Series. However, what brings the sea of difference is the choice of materials used as well as the addition of a couple of new features.

Everything including the three-spoke steering design, simple looking instrument console, driver-oriented centre console as well as tucked-in screen for the infotainment system at the centre has been lifted off from the previous generation 5 Series. However, a couple of additions like a Head-up display, premium Bang & Olufsen high-end surround sound system and “BMW Active Hybrid 5” emblems at places make sure that this is not your regular 5 Series sedan.

The BMW Active Hybrid 5 shares its design language with the previous generation 5 Series, which in itself makes the car look and feel from a half a generation old era. However, BMW has tried to introduce a couple of changes which do make the car look contemporary.

The frontal stance gets the same familiar double kidney grille design as well as headlamps with curvy edges. The headlamps, along with the fog lamps surrounded by a nice chrome garnish on the front bumper are full adaptive LED units.

The side profile also gets the same treatment as the previous generation 5-Series, however, there are a couple of noticeable changes here. Firstly, the Active Hybrid 5 gets new and more comprehensively designed 5-spoke alloy wheels which look futuristic. And then, there is a small chrome badge saying “Active Hybrid” on the front fender.

The rear, just like the front, does not come with any significant changes over the previous generation 5 Series sedan. The large boot comes with the same LED taillamp design as seen on the 3 Series.

The BMW Active Hybrid 5 comes equipped with the company’s Dynamic Damper Control which provides different modes like Comfort and Comfort+. The Comfort+ mode provides extra comfort over imperfect surfaces with minimal jerks in the cabin. As compared to the other BMW sedans, the BMW 5 Series focuses more on ride quality over outright handling, which provides a plush ride quality.

The heart of the Active Hybrid 5 is what makes it a special car over the regular 5 Series sedan. Under the hood, the BMW Active Hybrid 5 gets a full hybrid powertrain, which is a combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor.

The twin turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine employed here generates 310 PS of maximum power and 400 Nm of peak torque. This engine is coupled with a 40kW electric motor, depending on which the car can run up to the speed of 60 kmph. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, this motor supports the petrol motor when additional acceleration is required. In total, this engine which is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission generates 326 PS of power and 450Nm of torque.

Like all the modern day BMW cars, the BMW Active Hybrid 5 is also equipped with all the electronic safety aids which are now a common norm. The list of safety features includes six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, cornering brake control, dynamic traction control and hill start assist.

The BMW Active Hybrid 5 might not evoke the sense of modernity like the current generation 5 Series sedan since it is based on the previous generation model. However, the car is still premium enough to make it a proper luxury saloon, courtesy the plush interior cabin and features on offer. The hybrid powertrain is what makes it a substance of pride, with it offering a perfect balance of efficiency and sportiness at the same time.