BMW has teamed up with joint venture partner Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. to produce a new plug-in hybrid model based on the long wheelbase version of the 5-Series Sedan, exclusively in China. The concept will be unveiled at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show in the middle of this month.
BMW said, the plug-in hybrid model “are geared closely towards the demands of the Chinese automotive market”. The parallel hybrid system with a capacity of 215 hp, BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology, combined with an electric motor with a capacity of 70 kW (94 hp). German automobile manufacturer did not give out any other information on the type of engine used in this sedan.
The electrical motor is fed by a high-voltage battery housed in the luggage compartment and can be charged through the mains power supply. BMW said, the 5-Series Plug-in Hybrid can operate only with electric motor for up to 75 km, with a steady speed 60 km/h. The combustion engine provides a minimum additional range of 400 km.
According to BMW, the model-specific components of hybrid system, electrical appliances and batteries will be developed entirely in China, with the cooperation of Brilliance. The 5-Series Plug-in Hybrid is expected to be present on the market from 2013.
Source: Carscoop
