BMW 5-Series plug-in hybrid developed with Brilliance

The plug-in hybrid model is based on the long-wheelbase version of the 5-Series sedan, which is only sold in China. BMW have developed the car jointly with its Chinese joint-venture partner Brilliance Automotive, and the car will be officially on show at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show.

BMW says that the car's properties "are geared closely towards the demands of the Chinese automotive market." The 5-Series plug-in hybrid's set-up consists of a standard combustion engine with 215bhp and BMW's TwinPower Turbo technology, which is mated to an electrical motor that produces 94bhp.

The electric motor is powered by a high-voltage battery located in the luggage compartment and can be charged through a standard mains power supply. According to BMW, the 5-Series Plug-in Hybrid can travel purely on electric power for up to 75 kilometres at a constant speed of 60 km/h, while the combustion engine provides for a further range of 400 kilometres.

Brilliance Automotive's contribution to the car includes developing model-specific components such as the power electronics and high-volt battery. Production of the long-wheelbase 5-Series plug-in hybrid is expected to begin in China from around 2013, and the car will be offered on sale only in China.