BMW Will Launch The 5-Series ActiveHybrid In 2011 — 3-Series Hybrid Being Considered

BMW’s CEO, Norbert Reithofer, confirmed that the BMW Concept 5-Series ActiveHybrid will enter production during 2011. Following this, the brand is looking to produce 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.”

BMW’s 5-Series ActiveHybrid will include a 300-horsepower straight-six petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo technology connected to a 40kW electric motor and an eight-speed transmission unit.

Fuel-economy, and emissions, will drop by 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.”