With the concept
of ‘downsizing’ for eco-friendliness becoming a rather popular one, BMW takes
the other road—adding a hybrid battery pack to its ever popular, twin-turbo
535i. We come to see how this new and appealing model integrates into today’s
eco-friendly environment.
·
Design
& Engineering:
From the front, the
ActiveHybrid (let’s dub it the ‘AH’) is hardly any different from the model it
is based on—the 535i. Look closer, and notice that the chrome kidney grills are
replaced by galvanized ones instead. A further inspection reveals louvers placed
neatly behind the grills, depicting the attention to detail placed into
revising the AH, vis-à-vis aero dynamism and fuel efficiency. From the side,
17-in, 5 spoke wheels—unique to the AH model, provide aero efficiency. Still, I
find that the rims look rather gaudy as they take away that special sense of
sportiness found in the rest of the 5-Series lineup. At the rear, nothing
changes apart from the removal of say, 535i, to ActiveHybrid 5. For amateurs,
the main distinction between a normal 5 and the AH would be the obsessive use
of ActiveHybrid 5 badges plastered all over the vehicle, indicating the
eco-friendliness provided by the Bimmer.
·
Interior
As usual, one gets the
usual luxury treatment from BMW—paddle shifters, a telephony system, the
award-winning i-Drive, and the lot. If one were to take say, a 523i, and throw
in a passenger, the only noticeable difference from a passenger’s point of view
between the 523i and the AH, would be the ActiveHybrid 5 badge placed right
behind the 8-speed gear shifter. At the rear, passengers are still spoilt by
the presence of 4-zone climate control, and enjoy ample head and legroom while
settling into lush leather seats. Of course, the addition of the battery pack
reduces boot space. Nevertheless, it still manages to provide ample boot space
for everyday use. One thing fantastically bizarre about the AH, is the comfort
access boot feature. Now featured on models such as Audi’s A6, a wiggle of one’s
foot (with the key nearby) under the boot area allows the boot to flip up and
down—all via BMW’s superb comfort system.
·
Ride & Handlings
With the addition of
220kg, the AH gives out 34BHP more than the 535i, providing a lively and quick
feel on straights. Mated to a smooth 8-speed gearbox, gearshifts are seamless
and smooth. In Comfort Plus mode, the AH smoothens out almost all the
imperfections on A or even B roads, allowing for comfortable driving at all
times. One thing to point out is that when driving around town under the
presence of orange, green and red lights, shudders from the engine switching
between the electric motor and the petrol engine can be felt.
·
Verdict
A properly sized hybrid,
capable of providing speed, comfort and eco-friendliness. Personally speaking
though, I would opt for Lexus’ GS hybrid, as the Japanese have been selling and
improving their hybrid systems far longer than BMW has.
o Pictures from:
No comments:
Post a Comment