BMW executives have given the go-ahead to a hybrid version of the BMW 5-Series. Regular production and sales of the vehicle could begin in mid 2011, according to BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer.
At the automaker’s 90th Annual General Meeting of stakeholders, Reithofer said, “As early as next year, the new BMW 5-Series will also be available as a full hybrid.” If successful, this car could also pave the way for more hybrids from the automaker, including the 3er, as BMW pushes to reduce 2008 fleet carbon emissions by 25 percent before 2020. “…We are anticipating the hybridization of further models series, such as the BMW 3-Series,” he said. “We also work with modules in this field, choosing the most suitable hybrid solution for the respective model.”
The 5-Series hybrid would likely be based on the BMW Concept 5-series Active Hybrid seen at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The car combined a straight-six petrol twin-turbo engine producing 300 hp (224 kW) with a 54-horsepower (40-kW) Electric motor. The concept utilized an eight-speed automatic transmission, and used up to ten percent less fuel than other 5er models.
Speaking to shareholders and employees at the company’s 90th Annual General Meeting, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer confirmed that the BMW Concept 5-Series ActiveHybrid will go into production in 2011 and that the automaker is also considering offering a hybrid version of the 3-Series sedan. “As early as next year, the new BMW 5-Series will also be available as a full hybrid,” Reithofer said. “And we are anticipating the hybridization of further models series, such as the BMW 3-Series. We also work with modules in this field, choosing the most suitable hybrid solution for the respective model.”
The Concept 5-Series ActiveHybrid is powered by a 300-hp straight-6 gasoline with TwinPower Turbo technology mated to a 40 kW electric-motor and an 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW says that when compared to the 5-Series with the “conventional” combustion engine, the Concept 5-Series ActiveHybrid reduces fuel-economy and emissions by more than 10 percent.
“We want to reduce our global fleet”s carbon emissions by at least another 25 percent between 2008 and 2020,” Reithofer said. “Our new models and drive technologies will support these efforts.”
