BMW releases a video featuring different people who drive ActiveHybrid models and share their experience with others. In the U.S., BMW offers three hybrids, for each one of the 3, 5 and 7 Series models.
At the entry-level segment we have the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 which uses the same N55 3.0 liter six-cylinder turbocharged TwinPower engine as the other bimmer hybrids. The gasoline unit is aided by an electrical engine to deliver an additional 40 kW (about 53 horsepower). Power from the two drive systems is transferred to the rear wheels by the eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims a performance of 5.3 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) while consumption is relatively low, only 5.9 liters per 100 km (37 mpg) and 139 g CO2/km in the EU test cycle. The base price for the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is $49,300.
To create the ActiveHybrid 5, BMW used the same N55 powerplant, along with its eight-speed automatic transmission and then added a 55 horsepower, 155 lb-ft or torque electric drive system. The result is a combined peak 335 horsepower. From 0 to 60 mph it only takes a spring of 5.7 seconds. Fuel economy numbers are 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The base price starts at $61,100.
The ActiveHybrid 7 arrived in early fall and costs $84,895 including destination, $13,000 less than last year. Some of the savings come from the use of an inline-six engine versus the V8 used in the 2012 model. The 2013 ActiveHybrid 7 uses a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine with 315 hp version as in the new BMW 740Li. That engine is coupled to a 55-hp synchronous electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Total system output reaches 349 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque. BMW claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 5.5 seconds.
Here is a video featuring actual owners of BMW hybrids.
