The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 from Tokyo

BMW continues to test its hybrid technology with models from its top-of-the-range series and some of its SUVs. The ActiveHybrid 5 was the last hybrid vehicle on BMW’s list of promises, and it has now been seen live at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The expectations for the twin-turbo inline six-cylinder were met to the letter. The engine comes from the 535i, with 306 hp, while the electric motor, with 55 hp, propels this new hybrid saloon to a combined 340 hp.

While other models can run on electricity at fairly low speeds, this BMW can keep up with the flow of traffic using electric power alone, up to 60 km/h. Of course, range is not a strong point of the ActiveHybrid 5, since at that speed we will drain the batteries after about 2 kilometres.

But the most obvious use of this electric motor is not range, but the additional power it can give the inline six and its use for cruising speeds, through the ECO PRO engine-decoupling system, which disconnects the petrol engine.

Via | Carscoop