First BMW hybrid will be next-gen 5-series in 2010

Diesel Hybrid......I can only imagine the mileage of a 5-series or an E-class (in Mercedes chooses to go a similar route). The diesel E320 already gets 27/37 mpg (8.7/6.35 liters/100km, city/hwy). add another 20-30% on that...absurd.

Great news for BMW as well as Mercedes. With Mercedes great bluetech and the hybrid technology it will really do well.

With Toyota being the mainstream provider for hybrid technology in the US the hybrid-diesel will really be a great alternative.

It's amazing how the hybrid technology has grown into today's vehicles. I believe Austrian Ferdinand Porsche designed the hybrid in the late 1800's and in recent past Honda was the first to bring the new age of hybrid technology into the US. Following that Toyota is now the leader in hybrid vehicles.

It should be interesting how the BMW 5 series will sell. I think the current diesel owners may turn to the hybrid-diesel as it's better for the environment as well for mpg.

This is fantastic news! I've been wondering why there have been no rumors about a diesel hybrid. Hopefully there won't be too much of a premium to pay for both technologies...but I'm sure it's bound to be there. I hope one of the companies can develop the hybrid to not take up half of the car's trunk space.

2010 though? Hate to be the pessimist but I'm going to go out on a limb and say late 2011.

Keep in mind that they are only making a "mild hybrid" system, weather you use petrol or diesel. Today, it will amount to the same as Toyota's full scale hybrid system. The reason why they can only produce a "mild hybrid" is the simple fact that it's not as easy to efficiently produce/engineer.(why do you think it took at least 2 major auto corporations to come up with a "mild hybrid"? (Just a Mild Hybrid?!?!?) And I guarantee their premium mild hybrid will add a price tag of only $2,000 to $2,500(u.s.). Now if they went with a full scale hybrid, I will bet my pink slip it will cost a premium price tag of over $6,000.00. And will not be able to release one till 2012 or later if they considered going that route to begin with. By the time(2010 or even 2009 for that matter) the Germans officially come into hybrid game, Toyota/Lexus will have already release their Generation 3 or even 4, with the use of Lithium-Ion, Plug-In, also mated with diesel(remember they own part of Isuzu now which has class innovation technology, and now Toyota will help make that better and efficient) and along with petrol combinations too, possibly fuel cell, ehthenol...etc...also keep note that Toyota is on pace to slash hybrid premium price tag by over 50% at the end of 2008. But I have to say Kudos to the Germans making the attempt, not only being a Toyota/Lexus owner along with MB & Audi. I only wish they could have done this much earlier, it would have been competitive in a more exciting way. Unfortunately now it's a matter of catch-up game for them...will see what happens as I cross my fingers for them!

Funny how they have to work together and Lexus did it all by themselves. (fueling the fire)

oh lexus didnt have any help from the parent company toyota .....

Of coarse Toyota helped out but within their own family, at the end of the day it's Toyota technology and soon to evolve into Lexus creating a more sophisticated/performance brand down the line and on their own. Either way you look at it, even the premium rivals have to compete to Toyota's(not even consider a premium brand, more so conservative)full scale hybrid technology.

Oh, BMWKing! I was waiting to find one! There's now a LexusKing, AudiKing, MBKing and BMWKing. Fabulous.

I don't know if you're just a mere mockery along the lines of LexusKing and AudiKing, but your statement pretty much sums up exactly how I think the lot of you German fans feel about hybrids. "It's only a good idea when a German brand decides to jump in."

Why? BMW shouldn't give in, not in their sedans, at least.