[ Autonews]

BMW has confirmed that an Activehybrid concept model of the new 2011 5 Series will appear at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. European sales are expected to begin shortly thereafter but there is currently no confirmation as to whether the US, a hybrid hotbed, is on the list or not.

Another version not likely to reach US dealerships is the Touring (station wagon). Figures show that fewer than 1,000 previous E60 generation 5 Series Touring models were sold in America last year.

"I don't think we will sell it because in the past, station wagons have not sold well," said Klaus Draeger, BMW AG board member for Research and Development. The addition of the quirky 5 Series Gran Turismo has also thrown a spanner in the works for a buying public that is exposed to an ever-increasing choice of models.

Initially only the 535i and 550i will be available at launch in June. The former has a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six engine worth 225kW (306hp) and 400Nm. The 550i boasts a twin turbo V8 pushing out 300kW (408hp) and 600Nm of torque.

Price increases over the old car are probably inevitable but if they do occur they will be kept to a miminum because of the hard-hit market, according to a BMW executive.