BMW
* News and photos from the show * Production cars unveiled * Concept cars show the future...
BMWs new hybrid 5 Series was at the Tokyo motor show. Unlike previous BMW petrol-electric hybrids this one will go on sale in the UK in February, costing 46,860.
Badged ActiveHybrid 5, its based on the 535i saloon and combines its 296bhp twin-turbo six-cylinder engine with an electric motor. In total, its good for 330bhp, promises 44.1mpg and emits 149g/km of CO2. By comparison, a 535d returns 52.3mpg on average and emits 142g/km of CO2.
The ActiveHybrids battery is stowed in the boot. The car can be driven on electric power alone, below 37mph, for up to two and a half miles.
BMW's i3 and i8 electric cars also made their Japanese debuts at the show.
The supermini-sized i3 is powered by a 125kW electric motor mated to a single-speed gearbox. It has a range of between 80 and 100 miles, does 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and can reach a full charge in six hours (it takes one hour to reach 80% charge). Top speed is 93mph.
BMW says an i3 range-extender version will also be available, where a 1.0-litre two-cylinder petrol engine can be used to recharge the car's batteries, doubling the car's range.
You can find out more about the i3, and watch video of the car in our Frankfurt motor show report.
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