Well, its not a surprise to hear that BMW engineers are working on a hybrid X5, since they are also working on a X6 hybrid. In addition, customers are moving away from thirsty SUV's in North America and Europe, hence why the BMW X7 project maybe axed.
At the moment, engineers are soaking up the sun and rain in Death Valley just like their mules. The huge dome on the bonnet wasn't the only give away, there is a yellow sticker on the top of the rear windscreen cautioning other driving with "Caution! Hybrid-Prototype (High Voltage on Board)."
The hybrid sighted here is petrol based unlike the X5 Efficient Dynamics Active Hybrid concept shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, which used BMW's very own 2.0-litre, twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine in combination with a 20bhp electric motor. It is unclear whether BMW will develop a petrol and diesel hybrid or just a petrol-hybrid. The exhaust pipes look as if they are taken from the 3.0 litre diesel but the X5 hybrid's 6,500-rpm red-line also indicates a petrol based power plant.
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