The concept car ActiveHybrid 5 has under its hood a sophisticated hybrid setup that involves a 6-cylinder gasoline direct injected and twin turbocharged engine paired with a lithium ion battery dependent electric motor.

The electric motor of this green car registers 54 horsepower and is linked to the gasoline engine via a special clutch. When the driver hits the brakes or when the car is coasting, the electric motor will be activated as a generator to charge the batteries.

The hybrid system is similar to the setup of the ActiveHybrid 7 where the electric motor is paired with a V8. According to BMW designers, the technology allows one to save about 10% of fuel and it also permits all-electric driving in the city streets. It also makes use of a stop-start technology to save more fuel. Weather control is also controlled by the battery and does not depend on the engine.

BWM also linked the navigation system with the software that controls the consumption of energy of the motor, battery, and the engine. The car may for example depend on the battery more when cruising down a downhill route and the system is designed to recharged it as it passes on that section of the road.

BMW has not released any figures about fuel economy or power outputs but expect for updates as soon as we hear about them.

The car’s aesthetic is quite one of a kind, with lots of cues that are signature to the BMW brand. The hood is long, the grille is characteristic, the body is built and shaped like a wedge, all of which makes for an extraordinarily sporty silhouette and an elegant, sleek, and refined profile. Speaking of the profile, BMW enthusiasts will likely notice the Hofmeister kink, although this time the interpretation is new and modern.

The interior is luxurious but still quite sporty. Many elements are similar to the 7 Series, which is larger, and the 5 Series GT, which was also unveiled recently.

The 5 series comes in either sport wagon or sedan depending on the model. The sports wagon is only available in the 535xi model with a 528I and Xi sedan, a 535i and xi sedan and a 550I sedan to round out the models in this amazing series.

There are some big differences under the hood as well for the 528I models there is a 230 horsepower inline six cylinder with either rear or all wheel drive. The 535 has a twin turbo six cylinder with rear or all wheel drive that delivers a solid 300 horsepower. The 550I gives a V8 rear wheel drive that produces 360 horsepower while the 535xi sports wagon offers all wheel drive and the standard 535 twin turbo six cylinder.

The 5 series has been well received with accolades from J.D. Power and Associates, Auto week and Motor Trend some of the leaders in both the automotive and consumer industry.

BMW last 2004 had declared plans in making the odd-numbered series saloon or sedan with the wagon model types (The company called it as the wagon Touring model types) then those of the even numbered series are called as the 2-door cabriolets. This had been started in a very informal manner last 1976 with the launching of the 6 Series and then continuously practiced to 1989 with that of 8 Series, it already died when the previous series has been discontinued on 1989 because of the revision of the Z4 in order to replace the old Z3 roadster as of 2003 and keeps on continuing with the 6 Series intensities and the existing series of BMW 5.

BMW 1 Series
The 1 Series of BMW has been introduced internationally during the fall season of 2004 and this model will be available, 2008 in North America. The model with the 3-door types will also be introduced by July of 2007, at the BMW global site.