A new hybrid model will join BMW's recently launched 5 Series range at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid uses the same technology as seen in the X6 and 7 Series, but the new model has a more powerful motor.
A revised electric motor means the 5 Series ActiveHybrid can run purely on battery power at town speeds so that it becomes a zero emissions car.
The 5 Series ActiveHybrid concept also features a twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol engine as used in the normal 535i model.
The petrol and electric units can be separated by a clutch in the transmission so the petrol engine doesn't drain power when the car is running on just battery power.
BMW has not revealed any performance or economy figures, but it says the 5 Series ActiveHybrid will also be able to adapt its driving manners depending on the road conditions ahead.
It does this using the satellite navigation and traffic reports to predict what the road further on will be like and adjust the car to suit.
This means the car can charge its batteries as it travels downhill without the driver noticing.
On top of this, the 5 Series ActiveHybrid comes with all of BMW's usual EfficientDynamics equipment to save fuel and reduce emissions.
EfficientDynamics includes brakes that recharge the battery when the car is slowing down and climate control that only works when the car's cabin needs it.
BMW says the 5 Series ActiveHybrid is a motor show concept at present, but expect it to be on sale in the UK in the middle of 2011.
The Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid uses the same technology as seen in the X6 and 7 Series, but the new model has a more powerful motor.
A revised electric motor means the 5 Series ActiveHybrid can run purely on battery power at town speeds so that it becomes a zero emissions car.
The 5 Series ActiveHybrid concept also features a twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol engine as used in the normal 535i model.
The petrol and electric units can be separated by a clutch in the transmission so the petrol engine doesn't drain power when the car is running on just battery power.
BMW has not revealed any performance or economy figures, but it says the 5 Series ActiveHybrid will also be able to adapt its driving manners depending on the road conditions ahead.
It does this using the satellite navigation and traffic reports to predict what the road further on will be like and adjust the car to suit.
This means the car can charge its batteries as it travels downhill without the driver noticing.
On top of this, the 5 Series ActiveHybrid comes with all of BMW's usual EfficientDynamics equipment to save fuel and reduce emissions.
EfficientDynamics includes brakes that recharge the battery when the car is slowing down and climate control that only works when the car's cabin needs it.
BMW says the 5 Series ActiveHybrid is a motor show concept at present, but expect it to be on sale in the UK in the middle of 2011.
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