From the outside, it looks like any other new BMW 5 Series, but the ActiveHybrid has a 52bhp electric motor to augment its twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol engine. It can run on electric power for 1.2 miles and features all of BMW's latest EfficientDynamics energy-saving devices.
Why's it here?
BMW has been edging towards a hybrid 5 Series and this is it. It can run on petrol, electric or both. This concept also shows off some new technology from BMW, such as satellite navigation that can tell the battery charging system when a downhill section of road is approaching so the car can coast to recharge the battery pack.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Far from floor filler, the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid isn't quite a star of the show, but its technology will feature heavily in future BMWs and that makes it very important. Expect to see a full production 5 Series ActiveHybrid on sale by early 2011 for around £40,000 with emissions and economy about 10% better than a 535i's.
Check out the press conference from the show below:
Alisdair Suttie - 3 Mar 2010
Earlier articles featuring 2010 BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid
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