BMW ActiveHybrid5: test driven

[TheRationalVoice]

Test drove the bmw active hybrid 5 earlier today. Set out below is my summary.

 

First thing to note is that it is badged as "535" but the volume of the combustion engine is in fact 3.0 litres and it alone pushes out 306 horses. The electric power train, which is nicely tucked away behind the rear passenger seats, dishes out about another 30 horses. The total power output is therefore about 336 horses. Funny thing is that i did not feel as if i was in a car with 336 horses. The usual century acceleration, on paper 5.9s, did not feel quick. In fact, my existing bmw 330, with century sprint of about 7 s, feels faster (i understand of course it is a 3 series). It did not feel agile, but to be fair it was not lethargic either.

 

Boot size was severely compromised because of the electric powertrian sitting right behind the rear passenger seats. The power train is fitted vertically, and this may be sensible than the horizontal mounting found in other hybrid cars. Anyhow, the restricted boot size means the ability to slot in a couple of golf bags requires some creativity. A full decent size luggage is not likely to fit in either.

 

The steering wheel was slightly big for me, but this is because my existing car has a smaller steering and I might be unconsciously biased in this regard. Importantly, the steering response is not as great or engaging as the 328 I recently test drove. While I understand that 535 hybrid is skewed towards the luxury market, the fact is that other luxury cars of the same class seem to have a better steering response. Anyhow, it is not bad and a person with a 'can do' attitude should find it acceptable. But in comparison to the fuel version, the latter comes out tops.

 

Throttle response was also surpringly not as good as the fuel version or even the current 328. This took out the 'active' in 'activehybrid', and made the car non exhilarating. I was of course driving on comfort mode but even then I would prefer something more lively and engaging. I felt bland while driving it. Needed to push the padel deeper to provoke an engaging response.

 

Cabin was of superb quality, no different from the current 5s, but soundwise it was not quiet enough on the pull. I attributed this to the audio of the twin turbo doing their work. However, given the specific market bmw intends to serve, further insulation is welcome. Again, a 'bolek lah' attitude will dispense with this irritation.

 

Suspension and shock absorbers did their jobs while going over humps, but surpringly kept silent when driven over manholes. I actually felt the manholes on my a**. It was rough and noisy, as if a minor explosion had taken place. Given that there are infinite awkwardly positioned manholes on our roads, this would pose a huge concern for someone who wants a truly smooth ride. I could hear 'cronk' each time I went over a man hole. The 328's ability to deal with this is on the other hand extremely superior. It went over humps and absorbed man holes and debris quite easily.

 

Finally, the CO2 emission is greater than the fuel version and i have my doubts over whether mileage is any better. This is sufficient against a hybrid purchase; I would rather have the petrol version.

 

Overall, I think its acceptable if one is not particular. For those who feel that paying a premium implies unencumbered satisfaction, the hybrid would not be an immediate choice. The fuel equivalent or even the current 3 series lineup may be more engaging and a better car overall.

 

I came away with the impression that this car is more of a show case for bmw regarding its new "active hybrid" technology.

[SimonTan]

Ok got it.....basically 330 is much better than this hybrid.

Noted.

[Lammy84]

Test drove the bmw active hybrid 5 earlier today. Set out below is my summary.

 

First thing to note is that it is badged as "535" but the volume of the combustion engine is in fact 3.0 litres and it alone pushes out 306 horses. The electric power train, which is nicely tucked away behind the rear passenger seats, dishes out about another 30 horses. The total power output is therefore about 336 horses. Funny thing is that i did not feel as if i was in a car with 336 horses. The usual century acceleration, on paper 5.9s, did not feel quick. In fact, my existing bmw 330, with century sprint of about 7 s, feels faster (i understand of course it is a 3 series). It did not feel agile, but to be fair it was not lethargic either.

 

Boot size was severely compromised because of the electric powertrian sitting right behind the rear passenger seats. The power train is fitted vertically, and this may be sensible than the horizontal mounting found in other hybrid cars. Anyhow, the restricted boot size means the ability to slot in a couple of golf bags requires some creativity. A full decent size luggage is not likely to fit in either.

 

The steering wheel was slightly big for me, but this is because my existing car has a smaller steering and I might be unconsciously biased in this regard. Importantly, the steering response is not as great or engaging as the 328 I recently test drove. While I understand that 535 hybrid is skewed towards the luxury market, the fact is that other luxury cars of the same class seem to have a better steering response. Anyhow, it is not bad and a person with a 'can do' attitude should find it acceptable. But in comparison to the fuel version, the latter comes out tops.

 

Throttle response was also surpringly not as good as the fuel version or even the current 328. This took out the 'active' in 'activehybrid', and made the car non exhilarating. I was of course driving on comfort mode but even then I would prefer something more lively and engaging. I felt bland while driving it. Needed to push the padel deeper to provoke an engaging response.

 

Cabin was of superb quality, no different from the current 5s, but soundwise it was not quiet enough on the pull. I attributed this to the audio of the twin turbo doing their work. However, given the specific market bmw intends to serve, further insulation is welcome. Again, a 'bolek lah' attitude will dispense with this irritation.

 

Suspension and shock absorbers did their jobs while going over humps, but surpringly kept silent when driven over manholes. I actually felt the manholes on my a**. It was rough and noisy, as if a minor explosion had taken place. Given that there are infinite awkwardly positioned manholes on our roads, this would pose a huge concern for someone who wants a truly smooth ride. I could hear 'cronk' each time I went over a man hole. The 328's ability to deal with this is on the other hand extremely superior. It went over humps and absorbed man holes and debris quite easily.

 

Finally, the CO2 emission is greater than the fuel version and i have my doubts over whether mileage is any better. This is sufficient against a hybrid purchase; I would rather have the petrol version.

 

Overall, I think its acceptable if one is not particular. For those who feel that paying a premium implies unencumbered satisfaction, the hybrid would not be an immediate choice. The fuel equivalent or even the current 3 series lineup may be more engaging and a better car overall.

 

I came away with the impression that this car is more of a show case for bmw regarding its new "active hybrid" technology.

 

 

For all your grand attempts to appear verbose when simple words would have sufficed, your credibility got blown away the moment u whined about trottle response and steering feel while in comfort mode. You are either a fake theory crafter or you have no experience at all with the BMW mode control.

 

Not a BMW fan, just cant stand the airs u put up.

[The_Bear]

Test drove the bmw active hybrid 5 earlier today. Set out below is my summary.

 

First thing to note is that it is badged as "535" but the volume of the combustion engine is in fact 3.0 litres and it alone pushes out 306 horses. The electric power train, which is nicely tucked away behind the rear passenger seats, dishes out about another 30 horses. The total power output is therefore about 336 horses. Funny thing is that i did not feel as if i was in a car with 336 horses. The usual century acceleration, on paper 5.9s, did not feel quick. In fact, my existing bmw 330, with century sprint of about 7 s, feels faster (i understand of course it is a 3 series). It did not feel agile, but to be fair it was not lethargic either.

 

Boot size was severely compromised because of the electric powertrian sitting right behind the rear passenger seats. The power train is fitted vertically, and this may be sensible than the horizontal mounting found in other hybrid cars. Anyhow, the restricted boot size means the ability to slot in a couple of golf bags requires some creativity. A full decent size luggage is not likely to fit in either.

 

The steering wheel was slightly big for me, but this is because my existing car has a smaller steering and I might be unconsciously biased in this regard. Importantly, the steering response is not as great or engaging as the 328 I recently test drove. While I understand that 535 hybrid is skewed towards the luxury market, the fact is that other luxury cars of the same class seem to have a better steering response. Anyhow, it is not bad and a person with a 'can do' attitude should find it acceptable. But in comparison to the fuel version, the latter comes out tops.

 

Throttle response was also surpringly not as good as the fuel version or even the current 328. This took out the 'active' in 'activehybrid', and made the car non exhilarating. I was of course driving on comfort mode but even then I would prefer something more lively and engaging. I felt bland while driving it. Needed to push the padel deeper to provoke an engaging response.

 

Cabin was of superb quality, no different from the current 5s, but soundwise it was not quiet enough on the pull. I attributed this to the audio of the twin turbo doing their work. However, given the specific market bmw intends to serve, further insulation is welcome. Again, a 'bolek lah' attitude will dispense with this irritation.

 

Suspension and shock absorbers did their jobs while going over humps, but surpringly kept silent when driven over manholes. I actually felt the manholes on my a**. It was rough and noisy, as if a minor explosion had taken place. Given that there are infinite awkwardly positioned manholes on our roads, this would pose a huge concern for someone who wants a truly smooth ride. I could hear 'cronk' each time I went over a man hole. The 328's ability to deal with this is on the other hand extremely superior. It went over humps and absorbed man holes and debris quite easily.

 

Finally, the CO2 emission is greater than the fuel version and i have my doubts over whether mileage is any better. This is sufficient against a hybrid purchase; I would rather have the petrol version.

 

Overall, I think its acceptable if one is not particular. For those who feel that paying a premium implies unencumbered satisfaction, the hybrid would not be an immediate choice. The fuel equivalent or even the current 3 series lineup may be more engaging and a better car overall.

 

I came away with the impression that this car is more of a show case for bmw regarding its new "active hybrid" technology.

 

Good unbiased review.

[TheRationalVoice]

For all your grand attempts to appear verbose when simple words would have sufficed, your credibility got blown away the moment u whined about trottle response and steering feel while in comfort mode. You are either a fake theory crafter or you have no experience at all with the BMW mode control.

 

Not a BMW fan, just cant stand the airs u put up.

 

 

LOL. Fine. You are entitled to your views. Anyhow, that's how I write.

[inlinesix]

FYI, the reason it is badged as 535 is because it is IL6 twin scroll turbo.