BMW is adding a petrol-electric hybrid version of the 5 Series to its range, with UK deliveries of the £47,000 model to begin in 2012.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is based on the 5 Series saloon, and uses a 306bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol engine with a 54bhp electric motor to offer a combined 340bhp with a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds, plus CO2 emissions of 149g/km on standard wheels.
The car will be able to travel up to 2.7 miles on electric power alone at speeds of up to 37mph provided by its lithium-ion battery.
Although the hybrid hardware encroaches on luggage space, there is still 375 litres available in the ActiveHybrid 5.
Prices will start at £46,860 on the road, with production beginning in January 2012.
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Simon Harris
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