Certified Center The autosphere is being slowly infiltrating with rumors and news of a BMW 5 Series plug-in hybrid making appearances not only at the Shanghai Motor Show, but in Frankfurt as well.
On the more fuel-efficient side, a 5 Series plug-in hybrid concept will join its performance-tuned sibling's concept debut in Shanghai. Constructed by BMW Brilliance Automotive (the automaker's Chinese arm) the hybrid concept is based on a long-wheelbase variant of the sedan, and employs a parallel hybrid setup. Power comes from an unnamed turbocharged gasoline engine paired to an electric motor, combining for an output of over 300 horsepower. The sedan is capable of traveling some 47 miles on electricity, with the internal combustion engine extending range another 250 miles. Although the vehicle shown in Shanghai is technically a concept, BMW Brilliance Automotive already confirmed a production model for 2013.
BMW's thinly-disguised 2012 Concept M5 is expected to closely resemble that of the production car, which is now reportedly scheduled for its official debut in Frankfurt, according to Autocar. A new design and powertrain in tow, the fifth iteration of the M5 will tap a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 to power its rear wheels. Although yet to be confirmed by the automaker itself, Autocar suggests the M5?s power will equal that of the M variants of the X5 and X6 SUV, with an output rated at 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The sprint from 0 to 62 mph is expected to improve to 4.5 seconds - two tenths of a second faster than the previous generation.
Both 5 Series variants are sure to make a splash when they premiere later this month, but which model do you think is more significant? If you have questions about any of the new 2012 models we will have more then enough answers for you. Please contact Andrea DeMarco 865.209.7273 or ademarco@graysonsales.com