BMW Power eDrive plug-in hybrid system gets 670bhp

Following the success of the BMW i3 electric car, and the storming i8 hybrid supercar, BMW has developed an even more powerful petrol-electric drivetrain that could underpin prestige and performance models in the future.

The new system is part of an increasing investment into alternative powertrains, starting with the upcoming 3-Series ActiveHybrid that we recently tested. But this one in particular, revealed in a 5-Series GT prototype, will sit at the top of the range. Expect it to appear in the firm's large saloons and M-powered SUVs in the next few years.

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As BMW owns Rolls Royce, it's rumoured to appear on the next version of the Phantom saloon as well.

Powered by a new turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 228bhp, the prototype then adds two electric motors modified from the i3's units to make it four-wheel drive.

One 201bhp motor is mounted in the front, where the automatic gearbox usually resides, while another with 268bhp sits in the rear axle assembly. This makes a total of at least 670bhp, with an impressive torque figure of over 1,000Nm. That would make it the most powerful BMW production powertrain ever.

A 20kWh lithium ion battery mounted centrally ensures an all-electric range of 62 miles for this prototype, which will weigh substantially more than the heaviest 5-Series GT (2,070kg). The fuel tank has been reduced in size from 70 litres to 30 litres, although a 370-mile total range is claimed.

BMW says the performance of the powertrain in this setting exceeds that of the most powerful GT available, the 444bhp 4.4-litre V8 550i.

The unit is even rumoured to appear on the forthcoming Rolls-Royce SUV, although the first model it will be dropped into is expected to be the BMW X7 luxury 4X4 in 2017.

Do you think a petrol-electric hybrid of this type is suitable for luxury BMWs and Rolls-Royces? Let us know in the comments below.