BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid

BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid
BMW EfficientDynamics
ActiveHybrid technology from BMW

The new concept car offers a particularly good rendition of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan in all its dynamic, efficient and innovative qualities, at the same time representing the ongoing development of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 with their drivetrain technology already in production.


The drive system featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid consists of a straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, eight-speed automatic transmission, and electric drive. Integration of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in a sedan already extremely efficient with its “conventional” combustion engine reduces both fuel consumption and emissions once again by more than 10 per cent. At the same time the electric motor offers a boost function, supporting the gasoline engine in generating particularly dynamic drive power for an even more sporting driving experience in the car.

Intelligent energy management likewise serves to enhance the efficiency of the overall system, its unique functions ensuring appropriate control and management of all energy paths within the car and appropriate interaction of the drivetrain components precisely adjusted to driving conditions.
The drivetrain technology featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid allows all-electric, zero-emission motoring in city traffic. At the same time a special hybrid-based Auto Start Stop function offers additional efficiency by consistently switching off the combustion engine when stopping at the traffic lights, a road junction, or in congested traffic. Optimised comfort, finally, is provided by the auxiliary climate control function already featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Special development of ActiveHybrid technology as part of BMW EfficientDynamics. 
The concept car based on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan for the first time presents the next generation of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, a special solution exclusive to BMW for intelligent interaction of the combustion engine and electric drive focused specifically on the requirements made of a dynamic sedan in the upper midrange segment.

Taking this approach, BMW is consistently continuing the development of hybrid technology according to a modular principle (best of hybrid), thus offering the optimum rendition of BMW ActiveHybrid technology for each concept and vehicle segment.

In accordance with the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, this ensures highly effective and practical use of hybrid technology for the reduction of both fuel consumption and emissions.

Also in the BMW Series Sedan segment: the BMW among hybrids combines supreme dynamics with maximum efficiency. 
The combustion engine is supported in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid by an electrical drive system developed specifically for this model and arranged in compact dimensions between the straight-six combustion engine and the automatic transmission. Drawing its energy from a high-voltage battery at the back of the car, the electric motor develops maximum output of 40 kW. An automatic clutch connects the gasoline engine and the electric motors.

Due to the particularly high level of torque generated from the start through the electric motors, the interaction of the two drive systems ensures extremely spontaneous and dynamic acceleration whenever required.

Perfectly integrated, precisely controlled: high-voltage battery supplying power to both the electric motor and the on-board network.

In overrun and when applying the brakes, the electric drive systems acts as a generator developing electric power fed into the high-voltage battery. This converts kinetic energy otherwise wasted as heat in the brake system into electric power saved for subsequent use.

Such energy obtained without any further consumption of fuel may then be used to generate drive power or operate electrical functions in the car.

This principle is the same as that of Brake Energy Regeneration already applied in BMW’s current production models, with the level of electrical energy generated by the electric motor being significantly greater and the increase in efficiency correspondingly higher.

The high-voltage battery likewise developed for this specific concept is fitted within a high-strength special case near the rear axle of the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid. This leads to an optimum position in terms of both safety and harmonious weight distribution. An integrated control unit permanently analyses the charge status of the high-voltage battery and controls both the battery charge process by way of Brake Energy Regeneration and the system cooling process. Apart from the electric motor, the high-voltage battery also delivers electric power to the car’s on-board network. Among other things, this allows efficient operation of the car’s auxiliary climate control activated whenever required by a remote control function to cool down the car’s interior significantly even before starting the engine.

Convenient use of the all-electric driving mode and the Auto Start Stop function is likewise guaranteed in this way, with all electrical functions such as the audio system, climate control or navigation remaining fully available even with the combustion engine switched off.

Unique: intelligent energy management with advance analysis of driving conditions. 
BMW ActiveHybrid technology provides its unique potential in terms of both efficiency and driving dynamics under all kinds of conditions and throughout a wide load range.

Unlike conventional hybrid cars whose extra efficiency is largely limited to city traffic, both the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, by combining the combustion engine and the electric motor, are able to offer significantly lower fuel consumption and emission ratings also at higher speeds. This is made possible by technically sophisticated power electronics masterminding the interaction of the combustion engine and electric motor and thus optimising the overall efficiency of the drive system as a whole.

The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid once again raises the range of functions provided by such power electronics to an even higher standard. As an example, the energy contained in the fuel and provided by the high-voltage battery may now be used even more specifically and efficiently to provide that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW.

Taking additional factors into account, the interaction of the two drive units in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is tailored to the driver’s requirements and current driving conditions with maximum precision. At the same time the power electronics also control the operation of the car’s ancillary units and comfort functions, again in the interest of maximum efficiency.

The range and diversity of parameters taken into account by the system is indeed quite unique in the automobile, just as the number of functions controlled in this way. A high level of all-round networking allows the power electronics to provide intelligent energy management, thus optimising the operating strategy of the entire vehicle under all conditions.

A further unique feature of energy management in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is the car’s ability to adjust its operating strategy not just to current, but also to upcoming driving conditions. To do this the power electronics from the start evaluate data indicating a possible change in exterior conditions or the driver’s wishes and prepare the components in the drivetrain as well as the car’s electronic system for a possible change in requirements.

To analyse driving conditions up front, the system uses data provided by engine and chassis management as well as the sensors in the driver assistance systems on board the car. Data saved in the navigation system on the route chosen by the driver likewise goes into the final calculation, enabling the system to forecast driving conditions on the route directly ahead. Then, proceeding from this analysis, the car is coordinated in advance and the optimum use of all systems serves to use the energy available with maximum efficiency.

Should the system determine, for example, that the autobahn ahead is about to lead downhill, the charge level of the high-voltage battery is intelligently controlled in advance to regain brake energy upfront with maximum efficiency.

Similarly, the high-voltage battery may be fully charged in good time before the driver reaches his destination, enabling the system to switch off the combustion engine at an early point and change to all-electric drive along the final stretch of road. Indeed, this forward-looking function is able to extend the cruising range on electric power by up to 30%.

The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid: the future of driving pleasure and efficiency in the upper midrange segment.

Optimised to an even higher standard in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid, the drivetrain and control systems underline the great significance of hybrid technology as a cornerstone of BMW EfficientDynamics. Looking at a new generation of hybrid technology from BMW featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid therefore offers particularly attractive perspectives, the ongoing development of BMW ActiveHybrid technology serving to provide substantial progress in all areas leading to a harmonious all-round concept with distinctive features typical of the brand.

The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is therefore more dynamic, efficient and more intelligent than conventional representatives of this drive technology, standing out clearly as the BMW among hybrid cars in this segment.

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Physics Lesson from BMW

Is Efficiency and Dynamic really a contradiction?

Well...sometimes it's not.

To view the Kent BMW latest sales offers please follow this link>>>

For more information on the BMW range and new BMW Technology please contact our Ashford BMW or Canterbury BMW dealerships.

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01227 828888
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New BMW Technology at 2010 Detroit NAIAS.

The Detroit Auto Show, as it is commonly called, was held for the first time in 1907 as a regional event and has been a regular highlight of the international circuit of motor shows since 1987, representing the most significant annual event of its kind on the North American continent.

Apart from the world debut of the fascinating, ultra-sporting BMW Z4 sDrive35is, the press and public in Detroit will also experience the starting signal for new drivetrain technology at the Show from 16 – 24 January 2010: At the NAIAS 2010 BMW presents the models BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and BMW ActiveHybrid X6.

The first hybrids from BMW demonstrate impressively how much extra efficiency and driving dynamics a premium manufacturer such as BMW is able to offer through innovative technologies combining the combustion engine and electric drive.

Further proof of the brand’s innovative power is the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, a unique new model bringing together luxurious motoring comfort, superior variability and an elevated seating position to provide an unprecedented driving experience also benefiting from impressively low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions thanks to the wide range of technologies from BMW EfficientDynamics.

As the epitome of Sheer Driving Pleasure, the new BMW Z4 has made a great name for itself also in the North American automobile market within a very short time. This re-interpretation of the classic roadster with a retractable hardtop, seats moved back almost to the rear axle and a powerful straight-six engine is now entering a new dimension of driving dynamics: At the 2010 NAIAS BMW is proudly presenting the BMW Z4 sDrive35is featuring a Twin Turbo power unit with High Precision Injection for maximum output of 250 kW/340 hp and peak torque of 450 Newton-metres/332 lb-ft.

In conjunction with seven-speed Sport Automatic transmission featuring double clutch operation now available in the Roadster for the first time in the USA, the BMW Z4 sDrive35is accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds.

Thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, this significant increase in power, perfor-mance and driving dynamics comes without the slightest increase in fuel consumption. At 9.0 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 26.1 mpg US) and 210 grams CO2 per kilometre in the EU test cycle, both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are the same as on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i with regular Sport Automatic.

Following the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, the German manufacturer of premium cars offers a unique range of options and technologies giving customers from all over the world exactly the right models to enjoy new standards in terms of both driving dynamics and efficiency. Power units and transmissions with a supreme level of efficiency all round, technologies and features on the engine’s ancillary units likewise serving to enhance efficiency, optimised aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight technology help to provide a perfect symbiosis in all segments of the Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of the brand, on the one hand, with surprisingly low fuel consumption and emissions, on the other. And as a further cornerstone of BMW EfficientDynamics, BMW ActiveHybrid technology is now also about to enter the market.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is the first vehicle in the world to combine a V8 gasoline engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor as a mild-hybrid concept. This combination of an upgraded eight-cylinder with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection, on the one hand, and an electric motor, on the other, gives BMW ActiveHybrid 7 overall system output of 342 kW/465 hp and maximum torque of 700 Nm/516 lb-ft.

Power is conveyed to the wheels by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The electric motor positioned between the combustion engine and the converter on the automatic transmission, in turn, draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery developed specifically for automotive applications.

Precisely masterminded interaction of both power sources serves to optimise not only the supreme level of efficiency, but also the dynamic performance and motoring comfort offered by the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. Just one example is that the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 4.9 seconds, while making do on average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 9.4 litres/100 kilometres (24.9 mpg US) and restricting CO2 emissions to 219 grams per kilometre.

A further feature of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is the car’s Auto Start Stop function keeping idle periods when stopping at the traffic lights or in congested traffic to a minimum and thus preventing any superfluous consumption of fuel. For the first time the air conditioning and ventilation may still be operated even with the engine switched off, just as the energy management concept featured in this Luxury Performance Sedan provides the option to run the air conditioning even when the car is at a standstill.

Parallel to the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, BMW is also presenting BMW the Active Hybrid X6 at the 2010 NAIAS. The world’s first Sports Activity Coupe with full-hybrid drive capitalises on the options provided by the combination of the combustion engine and the electric motor to a degree never seen before. The vehicle’s drive system is made up of a 300 kW/407 hp V8 with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and two synchronous electric motors developing maximum output of 67 kW/91 hp and, respectively, 63 kW/86 hp. The electric motors receive their energy from an NiMH high-performance battery positioned beneath the luggage compartment and also supplying power to the on-board network.

Maximum system output available in this case is 357 kW/485 hp, with torque peaking at 780 Newton-metres/575 lb-ft. Precisely controlled interaction of the three drive units optimises the overall efficiency of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 at all speeds. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) comes in 5.6 seconds, top speed of BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is limited electronically to 236 km/h or 146 mph (250 km/h or 155 mph in conjunction with the optional Sports Package). Average fuel consumption in the EU5 test cycle, on the other hand, is just 9.9 litres/100 km (equal to 23.7 mpg US), CO2 emissions are 231 grams per kilometre.

BMW’s first full-hybrid is able to run on electric power alone up to a speed of 60 km/h or 37 mph, that is without the slightest emission of CO2. The combustion engine cuts in automatically whenever required.

The two-mode active transmission serves to enhance the level of efficiency and driving dynamics by providing the ideal combination in each case of the two drive systems. Incorporating the two electric motors, three planetary gearsets and four multiple-plate clutches, the two-mode active transmission conveys the power of the drive system in the same way and with the same qualities as a seven-speed automatic transmission, intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, in turn, spreading out power variably between the front and rear wheels.

BMW sets a new course with an innovative vehicle concept at the NAIAS 2010. Opening up a new segment never seen before, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the essential features of a prestige Sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo with one another. Stylish and elegant in its looks, this unprecedented four-door comes with frameless windows and a two-piece tailgate. The generous interior offers luxurious comfort, a slightly higher seating position for comfortable access and a superior overview of traffic conditions as well as a truly impressive range of variability.

Powerful but efficient engines, eight-speed automatic transmission featured as standard, Dynamic Driving Control also coming as standard, the most advanced suspension technology and innovative driver assistance systems interact with one another in the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo to ensure a truly unique driving experience. The 550i Gran Turismo, for example, is powered by a V8 featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo and High Precision Injection for maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp. The BMW 535i Gran Turismo, in turn, comes with a newly developed straight-six for the first time combining a turbocharger, direct gasoline injection, and fully variable VALVETRONIC valve management. Displacing 3.0 litres, the BMW TwinPower Turbo delivers maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp. And thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, both versions of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo offer a level of fuel economy and emission management simply outstanding in this segment and with this kind of performance.

The BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance technology offers yet another opportunity to enjoy Sheer Driving Pleasure at a low level of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Featuring the BMW 335d Sedan and the BMW X5 xDrive35d as special variants of the six-cylinder diesel, BMW is focusing specifically on the challenges of the North American automobile market and is therefore promoting this drive technology in continuing its worldwide entry into the marketplace. Developing maximum output of 265 hp, the power unit featuring Variable Twin Turbo Technology and common-rail direct fuel injection also offers an unprecedented cruising range on the road. And equipped with a diesel particulates filter, an oxidation catalyst, and SCR Selective Catalytic Reduction to reduce the level of nitric oxides (NOX) to a minimum, the new model meets the emission standards now in force even in the strictest States in the USA.

A wide range of options pointing into the future for enjoying Sheer Driving Pleasure of the highest standard – precisely this is the highlight of the model range and other innovations presented by BMW, the German premium car maker, at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

For more information on the BMW range and new BMW Technology please contact our Ashford BMW or Canterbury BMW dealerships.

Broad Oak Ashford BMW
01233 500555
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Broad Oak Canterbury BMW
01227 828888
Twitter: CanterburyBMW

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