According to a recent rumor, the German carmaker is developing 2011 BMW 5 Series Active Hybrid version for the next generation of the model. The 2011 BMW 5 Series Active Hybrid will be available with two powertrains, including the one currently offered on the 7 Series and the on powering the X6 Active Hybrid. However, the 2011 BMW 5 Series Active Hybrid will not use the V8 engine, but a less powerful 3.0 liter diesel unit.

Although it will share a lot of parts with the 5 Series GT, the 2011 BMW 5 Series will not have the same body panels. The next generation of the BMW 5 Series will have a more compact design and the engineers have worked on reducing the weigh of the new version. This will both improve the fuel consumption and performance of the 2011 BMW 5 Series.