BMW for 2010: 5-Series GT, X1, and Two Hybrids

By Marty Padgett

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2010 BMW 5-Series GT Concept

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BMW has a busy year ahead, with introductions of four important new models throughout the rest of 2009 and into 2010.

Earlier this year, we showed you the first photos of the 2010 BMW 5-Series GT. BMW labeled it as a concept--but our sources confirm the first production cars will emerge this fall, with official confirmation just a few weeks off. The 5-Series GT will be the first model from the next-generation 5-Series lineup due to emerge at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September.

Later in the summer, BMW will release the first official photos of the 2011 BMW X1, the small SUV that's taking the anchor spot in its truck lineup away from the X3. The new X1 shares its running gear with the new MINI crossover vehicle; both were shown off last fall at the Paris auto show as concepts. The production versions are spun from the BMW 1-Series running gear and likely will go on sale in the U.S. early in 2010, after a November on-sale date in Europe.

BMW's also confirmed that it will produce the long-anticipated 7-Series Hybrid and X6 Hybrid that have been making the rounds at the world's auto shows. The X6 will use a version of the GM/BMW/Daimler two-mode hybrid system in the interests of higher fuel economy. Like the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, and the Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid, the BMW ute will sport nickel-metal-hydride batteries. The 7-Series Hybrid, however, gets a lithium ion battery pack for its Hybrid system.

We'll have more on the 5-Series GT later this month, and more on the X1 this summer.