Just about yesterday BMW unveiled the new 5-series hybrid which is called Active Hybrid 5 and it is based on the 535i, but with more power and better fuel economy. It is a great pressure on the automakers as they are trying both to increase the fuel economy and also to reduce CO2 emissions, two goals that go hand in hand. BMW claims that with Active Hybrid 5 they have met this challenge and got more power with less fuel consumption. Active Hybrid 5 is joining the model lineup joining the current Active Hybrid 7.
BMW added a hybrid system with a li-ion battery pack to the Active Hybrid 5 in order to increase the overall efficiency. The system is similar to the one applied on the Active Hybrid 7, which is a full hybrid system, and it enables you to drive the car only under electric power at a low speed and for short distances. The car turns off its engine at the stoplights. BMW Active Hybrid 5 will go into line production sometime in the next year. Keep an eye on it at the upcoming auto shows.
