BMW introduces Active Hybrid 5

Following the Active Hybrid 7 and Active Hybrid X6, BMW is introducing its third production hybrid, imaginatively called the Active Hybrid 5. Based on the new 5-series, this Bimmer combines a 3.0-litre TwinTurbo inline six with a 55bhp electric motor that’s been mated to an eight-speed auto. It produces a total of 340 horsepower and can reach 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds while consuming between 6.4 and 7 litres-per-100km. The rear-wheel drive hybrid can be driven on electric power alone and up to a top speed of 60kph, but, it has a range of just 4km. Like all hybrids, its electric motor acts as a generator during braking and coasting to recharge the lithium-ion battery. It also packs a stop-start function while the interior features a sat-nav, four-zone climate control and all sorts of fancy driver assistance systems.