BMW Reveal 5-series Hybrid

Set to make it’s debut at the Geneva motor show is BMW’s new addition to the 5-series, the 5-series hybrid. This new hybrid will join the Active Hybrid range of the 7-series and X6 and will come with a straight-six petrol engine and be able to run on electric power alone.  Although billed as a concept car, the Active Hybrid 5-series is due to go into production next year. The car is said to improve fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions by 10% compared with a conventional six-cylinder 5-series.

The Active Hybrid 5-series features the lastest version of BMW’s modular hybrid drivetrain and under the bonnet there is the same 300bhp 3 litre that powers the 535i but is equipped with a specially tuned hybrid stop start system.  It can also tailor the performance of the hybrid system by using the satellite navigation to predict obstables such as traffic obstructions, corners and hills that could affect the battery life.

For example, if you have a long downhill stretch of motorway coming up the car will prime itself to regenerate as much energy as possible.  The system is also programmed to ensure that the battery is fully charged as you near your journey’s end, maximising the amount of time that the petrol engine can be switched off.  BMW claims the system extends the electric range by 30%.

Specifications, more details and production plans will be announced when the car is unveiled at the Geneva motor show but when a market leader like BMW start filling their showrooms with hybrids, it is proof that eco motoring has really gone mainstream.

BMW

BMW 5-series