For the 2012 model year, BMW chose to expand its 5-Series line with the addition of a hybrid version and thus the ActiveHybrid 5 was born. This mid-sized luxury sedan fits in well with its siblings in terms of style and workmanship. The exterior is distinctive and assertive, while the interior offers plenty of head and leg space in the front and rear of the cabin. On the down side, fuel economy for this model is no better than for a traditional 5-Series. Most experts agree to stick with the more affordable 5-Series than pay the higher ticket price for no improvement in the fuel department.
New For 2012
The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is the most recent addition to the German auto maker’s 5-Series line. Of course this model is equipped with an electric engine to reduce fuel usage and to create fewer emissions.
Exterior
Like its siblings in the 5-Series, the 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is a midsized luxury sedan. It is offered in a single trim level, though it can be upgraded with option packages. This sedan rides around on 18-inch wheels. There are some cars you just know their origin from the way they look and the ActiveHybrid 5 is one of them. This body style says BMW all the way. The front end and grille are distinctive especially thanks to the dual sided grille with vertical mesh work. The headlights are narrow and slant back towards the hood sitting high on the front fenders. The hood, sides, and doors of this model are accented with detailed styling featuring modern, strong lines and slight curves. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is a stylish sedan with plenty of character to get it lots of attention.
Interior & Cargo
BMW has the reputation for luxury and in the 2012 ActiveHybrid 5 they have achieved it though in an understated way. Both rows of seats are comfortable and supportive. By choosing the multi-contour seat option, the front seats are especially comfortable and easily adaptable into a variety of passenger pleasing positions. The rear seats provide a sufficient amount of head and leg space to give even taller passenger plenty of room. Contouring and padding in the front and rear seats of the cabin help ensure a pleasant ride whether you are going just up to the corner store or on a long road trip. Trunk space is important and the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 provides almost as much cargo space as the standard 5-Series models do. In this case, that isn’t saying much considering the 5-Series is a bit short on cargo space. This hybrid version offers 13.4 cubic feet of luggage, sporting equipment, etc. space.
The dash’s gauges and controls are clean and straightforward in appearance. With the use of the iDrive interface the need for tons of buttons and controls disappears. However, this system is complicated for many drivers to learn, but it does allow for customization options for many of the car’s systems.
Safety
BMW made the wise decision to equip the 2012 ActiveHybrid 5 with plenty of standard safety equipment. This model has anti-lock disc brakes with a brake drying system, as well as stability and traction control. It is also equipped with the BMW Assist emergency communication system. This system provides road side assistance, automatic crash notification, and stolen vehicle recovery services. Of course, this hybrid sedan is also equipped with airbags. They are located in the front seat side and side curtain positions. In both government and independent crash testing, this model scored very well in almost all cases it was given the highest possible rating.
Driving Experience
From the name alone, it’s clear that part of the 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 powertrain consists of an electric motor. Joining that engine is a 3.0-liter, turbocharged, V-6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This model is also provided with rear-wheel drive standard. This powertrain delivers 335 hp and is capable of moving the sedan from zero mph to 60 in about 5.7 seconds.
As a hybrid, naturally everyone is curious about its fuel economy. Something strange happened in the creation of this model however. The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 actually doesn’t get better fuel economy than its conventional siblings. In the case of the 528i, the hybrid version gets less efficient fuel usage. For this model the EPA estimates it will receive 23/30 mpg city/highway.
Behind the wheel of the 2012 ActiveHybrid 5 there is no doubt you are driving a 5 series car. With its V-6 engine, this car has plenty of gumption on the road. Speed is certainly not an issue. It also provides lots of comfort and driver control. Considering the lack of fuel economy however, choosing a conventional 5-Series model at a lower price gives the same benefits.
Key Competitors For The 2012 BMW Active-Hybrid-5
- Audi A6
- Jaguar XF
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Lexus GS 350