[Jason]

Here is the first ever look at the production 2011 ActiveHybrid 5-series (F10) during testing. The upcoming 2011 5-series hybrid will be powered by BMW's N55 turbo six cylinder motor (which makes 306hp in the 535i), mated to an electric motor making 54 more horsepowers. We are likely not looking at the final body work as there will be unique wheels and bumper styling, but expect it to come in the Bluewater Metallic seen in the photos, a signature color for BMW hybrid vehicles. Production is set to begin in 2011.

Here are our photos from the Concept ActiveHybrid 5-series debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show: http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=356793

More Info Per BMW: http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355823

The drive system featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid consists of a straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, eight-speed automatic transmission, and electric drive. Integration of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in a sedan already extremely efficient with its “conventional” combustion engine reduces both fuel consumption and emissions once again by more than 10 per cent. At the same time the electric motor offers a boost function, supporting the gasoline engine in generating particularly dynamic drive power for an even more sporting driving experience in the car.

Intelligent energy management likewise serves to enhance the efficiency of the overall system, its unique functions ensuring appropriate control and management of all energy paths within the car and appropriate interaction of the drivetrain components precisely adjusted to driving conditions.

The drivetrain technology featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid allows all-electric, zero-emission motoring in city traffic. At the same time a special hybrid-based Auto Start Stop function offers additional efficiency by consistently switching off the combustion engine when stopping at the traffic lights, a road junction, or in congested traffic. Optimised comfort, finally, is provided by the auxiliary climate control function already featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

[MB135i]

looks good for a hybrid

[kaishang]

10% reduction in fuel consumption? Is that it? What is the point?

[antzcrashing]

Originally Posted by kaishang

10% reduction in fuel consumption? Is that it? What is the point?

yet Americans get the connotation of ignorant.

[marasani]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

yet Americans get the connotation of ignorant.

+1

[GOLFFRR]

great pics, glad to see BMW heading this way for "certain platforms". I think its a great move.

[GTurismo]

NICE!

[rocco90]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

yet Americans get the connotation of ignorant.

+2

[Bora20]

Originally Posted by kaishang

10% reduction in fuel consumption? Is that it? What is the point?

Sounds like a good case for a 530d with and 8-speed transmission including the start/stop feature.

That should be good for much more than a 10% reduction over the 535i.

[positiveions]

i still think Hybrid diesel will be a "better" option.

[kaishang]

Originally Posted by Bora20

Sounds like a good case for a 530d with and 8-speed transmission including the start/stop feature.

That should be good for much more than a 10% reduction over the 535i.

Yes, a 535d without even without a start-stop feature will save a lot more than 10% over putting a hybrid in a 5. You could look at the BMW UK website, where both the 535i and 535d are already on sale to see this.

Hybrid adds complexity, weight, cost, you lose the space somewhere for the batteries - why bother for a 10% fuel saving over the standard gasoline engine? Toyota did a lot better than 10% on their first hybrid attempt.

[EvolutionTheory]

xDrive?

[Yogijet]

I wonder what the improvement in the rush to 60 is when you gun it. Should be an interesting drive. Agree that a diesel hybrid should be a big hit. Anyone know why they aren't doing/haven't done it?

[dagobertsmurf]

Originally Posted by Yogijet

I wonder what the improvement in the rush to 60 is when you gun it. Should be an interesting drive. Agree that a diesel hybrid should be a big hit. Anyone know why they aren't doing/haven't done it?

Simple answer: $$$$

Diesel engines are more expensive than gasoline engines. Add the cost of batteries and other equipment that a hybrid drivetrain carries and the price of a diesel hybrid car goes through the roof. This is why no manufacturer makes diesel hybrids.

A diesel costs $2,000-3,000 more than a gasoline engine. Add another $3,000-5,000 of hybrid stuff and the final cost of such a vehicle is going to be so high that it makes the payback period of such a vehicle exceed its lifetime.

[Yogijet]

True true, thanks. We forget sometimes that these guys are actually running a business.