BMW is expanding its hybrid lineup down the model range to the recently introduced 5 Series sedan with a new concept that debuts Monday at the Geneva Motor Show. The new Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid will likely transition to a production model sometime in 2011. This will be the third different hybrid powertrain variant introduced by BMW following the two-mode system in the ActiveHybrid X6 and the mild hybrid system in the AcitveHybrid 7 Series.
The 5 Series uses a new derivative of the modular mild hybrid system from the larger 7. The 15 kilowatt electric motor from the 7 has been upgraded to a full 40 kW for the smaller sedan. That will allow the hybrid 5 Series to function as a full hybrid, operating in electric-only mode at city speeds. Unlike the twin-turbo V8 used in the earlier hybrids, the 5 uses the 300-horsepower twin-scroll turbo inline-six available in the 535i. A clutch between the engine and motor allows them to be disengaged for electric drive.
A larger battery pack than the 7 Series Hybrid is mounted in the trunk, but BMW has not yet specified if the 5 is using a nickel metal hydride battery like the X6 or a lithium battery like the 7. Chances are it will be the latter in order to minimize intrusion on the cargo capacity.
BMW has incorporated a variety of new strategies into the hybrid control, such as monitoring the navigation route to anticipate what is coming up and to make maximum use of the electric drive. At this point, BMW is not giving specifics on the efficiency of the new hybrid except to say that it should improve on the standard model by more than 10 percent.
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