2012 BMW 5-Series Hybrid

The 2012 BMW 5-Series Hybrid falls almost at the bottom of the list of large luxury cars. It is clear that it outperforms the BMW 535i but car shoppers do not seem to be happy about its costly base price.

There are hybrid cars that are stronger and more frugal. Although the 5-Series Hybrid promises better fuel economy and engine performance,it is reasonable for a car shopper to go home with one of this car's rivals.

Specifications

Engine

The 5 Series Hybrid is equipped with a 6-cylinder 3.0 liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor. Details on how many horses and how much Newton meters the gas engine alone can produce are yet to be announced.

Together,the electric motor and the gasoline engine deliver 335 horsepower. This combination is matched to an automatic 8-speed transmission.

Performance

The 2012 5 Series Hybrid has adequate power that is refined. The transition from the gas engine to the electric engine is incredibly smooth. The transmission is responsive and the brakes feel natural.

The 5 Series Hybrid is equipped with Driving Dynamics Control. Using this feature,drivers can choose between four driving modes depending on the current driving situation. The electronic power steering assistance seems too much for other drivers who want to feel more of the road.

Exterior

The 5 Series Hybrid looks slick with its fine lines smoothly connecting the edge of the shapely headlights to the edge of the rear lights. It has the BMW trademark grille and the strikingly handsome headlights just like the BMW 5 Series.

Interior

The 5 Series Hybrid has the same interior as its non-hybrid sibling. The cabin is upscale and comfortable and the navigation system is useful. The seats are comfortable and spacious,even adults who are seated in the back seat will find their place comfortable. Drivers can easily find a comfortable driving position because of its excellent adjustability.

Safety

The Hybrid 5 Series is yet to be tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the federal government. Nevertheless,we can use the details for the gas-only 5 Series that did well in tests from the same institutions.

The 5 Series is a Top Safety Pick for the IIHS for scoring "good" in all crash tests. The federal government,on the other hand,gave the 5 Series Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars as its overall score.

Reliability

The 5 Series Hybrid comes with a 4-year standard warranty. The first schedule maintenance is free of charge. BMW also offers 24 hour road assistance for four years as well as unlimited corrosion and perforation warranty that lasts for 12 years.

Pros

The 5 Series Hybrid has a capable engine and excellent handling. BMW put a lot of thought into the transition from gas to electric engine. The cabin of the Hybrid 5 Series is spacious and luxurious.

The interior is made of quality materials and there are useful internal features such as the navigation. The brakes are one of the best in its class.

Cons

The hybrid 5 Series has a high base price. The battery limits trunk space.

The 2012 BMW 5 Series Hybrid offers a great package - perhaps one of the best packages in its class but its high base price may turn off potential buyers.

The Tesla S (MSRP $57,400;88 city / 90 hwy) which of course is powered completely by electricity,and the Lexus GS 450h (MSRP $58,950;29 city / 34 hwy) are two other vehicles that may be compared with the ActiveHybrid 5-Series.

What others say:

"The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 offers no significant fuel economy or acceleration benefit versus a 535i and costs significantly more. You'd be better off gluing a "Hybrid" badge onto a regular 5 Series."Edmunds