BMW Diesel Hybrid in the Works

BMW is considering offering hybrid versions of its 5-Series sedan and X5 crossover in 2010, according to a new report by Britain's Autocar citing a BMW engineering source. Unlike most hybrids, the vehicles would run on a combination of diesel and electricity, rather than the typical gasoline-electric configuration.


But BMW will only go ahead with the plan if it can succeed in making these diesel hybrids more efficient and cost effective than regular diesels. BMW will only market hybrids that prove to be "more economical in the real world than a diesel car," a senior engineer said.

BMW has been working with DaimlerChrysler and GM on rear-wheel-drive hybrid technology that could be applied to a wide range of models.

The BMW source admitted there's still a ways to go before hybrids trump diesels. "Hybrid cars are very good for slow and stop-start driving but not so good at higher speeds. Overall, our diesel vehicles are still more economical," the source said.