For years, auto manufacturers have been using the hybrid technologies as a mean to save fuel and improve a vehicle’s efficiency. But some names like Ferrari, Porsche and McLaren have looked past efficiency as they are now harnessing the hybrid technology to increase a car’s performance. But they are not the only ones doing so as BMW had also came up with a performance hybrid candidate.
Although it is still a concept, the new Power eDrive hybrid drivetrain previewed in a 5-Series Gran Turismo is not just a big cruiser. Combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, the 5-Series now features a combined output of more than 670-horsepower.
One of the electric motors is integrated with the transmission to help the engine power the rear wheels and the other is used to power the front wheels. BMW is also busy working on a next-gen design where this time an electric motor is focused on powering the rear wheels while another electric motor and the engine powers the front wheels, resulting in a ‘through-the-road’ hybrid all-wheel-drive setup.
In this 5-Series GT Power eDrive prototype, the electric motors are powered by a 20-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, which allows charging to be done either at home or also on the run via recovered brake energy or the engine. The all-electric range for a vehicle the size of the 5-Series GT is quoted to be about 100km. Aside from offering zero emissions while in full electric mode, this concept also offers superior long distance comfort as well as instant accelerating power.
