BMW unveils 5 Series hybrid

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.