BMW to launch third hybrid model within the next 12 months

Our leader Sebastian was down in Miami on Friday for international media launch of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and we'll have his review shortly. During the event, AutoCar's Greg Kable spoke with BMW project leader Peter Tünnermann about the company's hybrid plans. The X6 and the new ActiveHybrid 7 are just the first two hybrid models from Munich. BMW will apparently focus on the mild hybrid system for its higher volume cars because it's easier to implement with minimal modification. The two-mode strong hybrid will go into vehicles like the X-series SUVs.

Tünnermann also revealed that a third hybrid model will be added to the lineup within the next twelve months. He didn't reveal which vehicle it would be or which system it would use. The most likely candidate would be the new 5-series which is expected to debut in the first part of 2010, perhaps at Detroit or Geneva. If it is the 5, then it will be equipped with the mild hybrid used in the 7.

[Source: AutoCar]