Along with the first officially showing of the new 5 Series, BMW will have on display the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid at the Geneva Auto Show next week. Following closely after the ActiveHybrid 7 Series and ActiveHybrid X6, the hybrid 5er gets a third hybrid setup. Powering this concept is a 300-hp inline-six mated to a twin-scroll turbocharger – the same unit found in the 535i. This is then combined with a powerful 40kW electric motor (the motor in the 7 Series hybrid is just 15 kW) enabling this version to operate as a full two-mode hybrid. As a result, the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid can operate on electric power, gasoline power or a combination of both. The transmission used is an eight-speed automatic.
BMW says the electric battery is located in the trunk, although it has not specified if the battery is a more advanced lithium-ion unit (like in the 7 Series) or an old school nickel metal hydride unit like the in X6.
No fuel economy numbers have yet been released, but BMW is claiming an improvement in fuel economy by roughly 10 percent, which is pretty good when you consider this concept is likely to deliver improved acceleration over the standard 535i.
We'll bring you more details on this car and the rest of the debuts with live Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.
More: Geneva Preview: BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid on AutoGuide.com