BMW will expand its lineup of hybrid models with a gas/electric version of the new 5 Series sedan. In typical BMW fashion the car pictured above is considered a concept car, which as far as we can figure just means that it's the upcoming 5 Series ActiveHybrid with those big, shiny stickers on the sides.
The 5 Series hybrid isn't going to challenge the Prius for any fuel-efficiency titles. BMW reckons that the 40-kW electric motor, which in the case of the 5 Series augments the power of a turbocharged inline-6 gas engine, should provide a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy. The system, of course, includes regenerative braking and an automatic start/stop function.
We'll give you more details on this car from the floor of the Geneva auto show next week.
More photos after the jump...
efinils2 says:
03:36 AM, 02/26/10
I believe the diesel variant can accomplish a much better fuel economy improvement, keep the weight down, and be much cheaper to produce/offer than via some mild-hybrid treatment with no significant benefits.
pc123456 says:
07:14 AM, 02/26/10
the trouble with diesel hybrids is diesel engines are the most efficient when hot. If you have a system where the engine turns off and on a lot, that might be a problem.
it will be interesting to see how hyundai solved this.
bankerdanny says:
08:27 AM, 02/26/10
Hybrid BMzzzzz...oh sorry dozed off there, what were we talking about? Oh, right, hybrid BMzzzz. Sorry, I just can't seem to stay awake when discussing this subject.
BMW should stick to regular gas and diesel cars and leave the style over substance 'performance hybrids' to others.
estreka says:
08:59 AM, 02/26/10
This really emphasizes the pudge of BMWs of late.
e46fanatics says:
09:41 AM, 02/26/10
cool, but what is up with those rims...
roadburner says:
11:36 AM, 02/26/10
Forget the bloated hybrids and bring over the Alpina D3. I'll buy the first one that is delivered to my dealer.
minibro77 says:
12:28 PM, 02/26/10
Way to add style and great driving dynamics to an environmentally friendlier car. Keep up the good work BMW!
blueguydotcom says:
09:08 PM, 02/26/10
Pointless car. The diesel is better all around.
carguru12 says:
10:03 AM, 02/27/10
I really like the new BMW 5 Series (F10). Now, I like this car, but, however, I don't like the wheels. Put a set of BMW Star Spoke 178's from the 2004-2008 BMW 525i/525xi/530i/530xi/528i/528xi/535i/535xi and it would look better. I like the wheels on the new 7 Series ActiveHybrid, but I don't like the wheels on the X6 ActiveHybrid. And the fact that the new BMW's that are sold in the U.S. are going to be built in the U.S. really doesn't impress me.
subafly says:
10:44 AM, 02/27/10
10% increase in MPG?? From say an F1 standpoint that would be AWESOME. But in real world driving it will be an unmeasurable difference. As efinils2 said, a diesel would be a better option.
dieselover says:
08:10 PM, 02/28/10
Dynamics and efficiency with 10% better gas milage??? Are you kidding? What's the point-I'm not getting it. Please bring in 530d with 240 hp and 400 ft-lbs and 35 MPG (0-62 6.2s). Than talk about efficiency and dynamics and for all those diesel haters go test drive 335d and than talk!