Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW ActiveHybrid 5

Can the new hybrid outclass its eco rival? And is it a better buy than a diesel 5 Series?

BMW has realistic ambitions for the ActiveHybrid 5 in the UK. The car is a showcase of the company’s hybrid technology rather than a volume seller, so is likely to be a rare sight. Yet subtle styling changes mean it will stand out from other 5 Series models.

Our test car’s Bluewater metallic paint and metallic grille slats are exclusive to hybrid BMWs, while big ActiveHybrid badges leave no doubt about this car’s power source. It’s not to all tastes, but early adopters who want people to know they have a hybrid will love it.

Advertisement - Article continues below

They’re unlikely to be disappointed with the technology, either. BMW has combined the 535i’s 302bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo and eight-speed auto gearbox with a 54bhp electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.

However, the 5 Series’ weight means pure electric running is limited. BMW claims the ActiveHybrid can travel at up to 37mph for around two miles in zero-emissions mode, but even tiny throttle inputs bring the petrol engine to life, so you can only really run solely on electric when crawling at low speed.

Still, switch the BMW drive select button to ECO PRO mode and the six-cylinder shuts down during high-speed coasting, while in all modes regenerative braking recharges the battery and stop-start ensures energy isn’t wasted.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

5 Series

2019 BMW

5 Series

74,371 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £15,800
View 5 Series
5 Series

2013 BMW

5 Series

90,040 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £7,995
View 5 Series
5 Series

2020 BMW

5 Series

46,568 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £19,099
View 5 Series
5 Series

2023 BMW

5 Series

51,035 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £29,873
View 5 Series

The result of all this is a claimed 44.1mpg – compared to the 37.2mpg of the conventional 535i auto. That said, we averaged only 25.2mpg, and while emissions of 149g/km are a 28g/km improvement over the 535i’s, the fact that the £46,885 hybrid costs £7,930 more limits its appeal as a company car.

Even more so if you bring diesel into the equation – the 530d is £8,100 cheaper and emits 139g/km with the £1,525 optional auto. Plus, during our test the Infiniti was more efficient than the BMW.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s nothing between our duo for performance, though. Both cover 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds and had near-identical responses in kickdown. With the BMW’s electric motor boosting the engine under hard acceleration, and a combined output of 335bhp and 450Nm, it feels effortlessly rapid.

Crucially, the ActiveHybrid 5 swaps seamlessly between boosting, charging and coasting, which means you find yourself studying the energy monitor on the iDrive screen to see what the powertrain is doing. And the BMW’s eight-speed auto is superb, with smoother shifts than the Infiniti.

Better still, although the hybrid drivetrain adds 140kg to the car’s weight, the 5 benefits from the engaging rear-wheel-drive handling, beautifully weighted controls and agility for which BMW’s saloon has become famous. Tauter body control, sharper steering and a more composed ride mean it feels far less cumbersome than the M35h.

It’s refined, too – the engine is silky smooth, road noise is well isolated and, with the £985 optional active dampers, the ride is surprisingly compliant.

Inside, apart from a few ActiveHybrid badges, it’s the same top-notch cabin as in any other mid-spec 5 Series. The logically laid-out and beautifully executed dash, perfect driving position and faultless quality leave you in no doubt that this is a premium hybrid.

Thanks to a longer wheelbase than the Infiniti, rear legroom is excellent, while part-electric seats, Bluetooth, sat-nav, parking sensors and cruise control are standard. Still, despite the decent kit, the M35h gets even more goodies – and adding options to the BMW can get costly.

Private buyers, though, will be encouraged by the 5 Series’ substantially better residual predictions and superb pre-paid service pack.

Details

Chart position: 1WHY: BMW already excels with its clean and economical EfficientDynamics saloons. Now it’s expanding its eco-friendly line-up with this hi-tech hybrid.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series

RRP £52,285Avg. savings £8,766 off RRP*Used from £17,652
Audi A6

Audi A6

RRP £50,560Avg. savings £5,825 off RRP*Used from £16,650
BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £33,315Avg. savings £5,683 off RRP*Used from £12,500
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,778 off RRP*Used from £11,890
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025