Geneva motor show 2008 - BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics

BMW's Vision Efficient Dynamics concept car is its star of the show in Geneva.

It is a hybrid X5, powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine and lithium-ion batteries. Power is transferred to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

It achieves an average of 43.5mpg and emits 172g/km of carbon dioxide. BMW says that performance hasn't been sacrificed in the pursuit of lower emissions – the car can go from zero to 62mph in 8.9 seconds.

Solar panels on the car’ roof generate power to pre-heat the diesel fuel, which reduces the time that the engine takes to warm-up.

Even the alloy wheels have green credentials, claims BMW. The spokes have been designed to reduce wind resistance.

When will this technology be on a BMW near you?
Don't expect to see your next BMW riding on these alloy wheels just yet. Fitted with these wheels, the concept car has to produce 1bhp less than a conventionally wheeled car to push it along, but because of the aero tweaks, it won't cool the car's brakes as efficiently. So BMW has to come up with another method to cool the concept car's brakes without increasing emissions.

The 2.0-litre diesel engine is based on the four-cylinder unit already in BMW's 123d. However, hybrid power is still some way off and solar panels on your BMW further still.

Other BMW news
Also on display is the BMW M3 Convertible, which is powered by the same 316bhp V8 petrol engine in all M3 variants.

On the model on display in Geneva, BMW is showcasing its Double-Clutch Transmission with DriveLogic system.

The seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox allows the driver to change gear without interrupting traction or pulling power.