All new pictures of the X5 hybrid (confirmed by the sticker) testing in the desert!

[Mark]

With BMW's X6 Active Hybrid now well advanced in its development
process, the appearance of this hybrid X5 is not entirely unexpected.
Spinning off the hybrid technology on the X5's largely related
platform seems a no-brainer in this increasingly fuel-conscious
environment.

If the huge hood bulge wasn't enough of a giveaway that a new hybrid
powertrain resides within the X5, the neon green warning sticker
affixed to the X5's backlight seemed to announce the state of affairs
plainly enough. It reads: "Caution: Hybrid-Prototype (High Voltage
On Board)."

The real question regarding this X5 Hybrid is whether it's running a
gasoline or diesel engine. BMW showed the X5 Efficient Dynamics
Active Hybrid concept at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show--which utilized
Munich's 2.0-liter, twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine in
combination with a 20 horsepower electric motor. This was a definite
break from the strategy revealed with the petrol-based Active Hybrid
concept shown on the X6. The X5's four-banger hybrid concept made a
healthy 201 horsepower, in conjunction with the torque-rich diesel's
output of 295-pound-feet at a low 2000 rpm. The electric motor
further augments the torque rating, for what promises to be enjoyable
launch and acceleration characteristics.

The X6 hybrids spotted testing to date have all been petrol-based. We
have yet to see this X5 hybrid fuel up, so we can't conclusively
answer the gasoline/diesel question just yet. However, the small
round exhaust tips on this prototype look closer to the standard X5
diesel exhaust rather than the larger, rectangular tips on the X5
3.0si. We'll be watching for a refueling session on this prototype to
put the issue to rest.

If this X5 is using the same engine as the gas-powered X6 hybrids,
then it would appear that the X5 is about nine months behind the
development curve when compared to the X6--judging by the prototypes'
respective appearances on the test circuit. Stay tuned for more
information.

[JKIM1979]

I cant wait to have some hybrids for BMW's

[McLuVan]

that's what I call a power dome

[1º]

49 mpg hwy?

how sick would that be [IMG]http://www.realest*****s.com/board/images/smilies/smilies/ahhh.gif[/IMG][IMG]http://www.realest*****s.com/board/images/smilies/smilies/ahhh.gif[/IMG][IMG]http://www.realest*****s.com/board/images/smilies/smilies/ahhh.gif[/IMG][IMG]http://www.realest*****s.com/board/images/smilies/smilies/ahhh.gif[/IMG]

[monsta]

Originally Posted by 1º

49 mpg hwy?

how sick would that be [IMG]http://www.realest*****s.com/board/images/smilies/smilies/ahhh.gif[/IMG][IMG]http://www.realest*****s.com/board/images/smilies/smilies/ahhh.gif[/IMG][IMG]http://www.realest*****s.com/board/images/smilies/smilies/ahhh.gif[/IMG][IMG]http://www.realest*****s.com/board/images/smilies/smilies/ahhh.gif[/IMG]

lmao, I thought the same thing when I first saw the pic...

[1º]

Originally Posted by monsta

lmao, I thought the same thing when I first saw the pic...

haha good i wasn't the only one

[fijigabe0]

that hood is HAWT!

[Deda]

strange car..

[bavarian19]

sticker should read "Caution: nuclear reactor inside"

[1230vani]

I asked the same question at the BMW world last week, was told that the new hybrid will come only with the 5.0 engine....

[1230vani]

accept appologies, did not notice the round back pipes...

[watrob]

Rumors have it that a X5 Hybrid is coming to Australia by the end of the year or just early in the new year. Supposed to be the 4cyl diesel 2.0ltr engine with a electric motor built into the transmission, giving around 430nm of torque. The roof is a solar panel generating 1 kilowatt of power also.

The dealer told me this new X5 will do under 7ltr per 100klms, I believe it was at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008! Anyway if it is true I will certainetly be buy one as I do over 600klms per week and fuel ain't getting any cheaper!