BMW plans to unveil a longer wheelbase 5-series plug-in hybrid specially made for the Chinese market at the upcoming 2011 Shanghai Motor Show in mid-April.

Speaking at the automaker’s Annual Accounts Press Conference held in Munich, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer confirmed the entry of a new NEV- New Energy Vehicle- 5 Series at the event, which will be manufactured in China for that specific nation’s customer base. Reithofer added that the new addition will “benefit from the strength and the excellent reputation of the BMW brand”.

That is all that the firm has let us in on for now. But matching the timing and features with the BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid, the powertrain on the new NEV should not vary much from a turbocharged in-line six-cylinder 3.0 L gasoline churning out 300 hp and a 50 hp electric motor. Reithofer also talked about releasing the production version of the MINI Coupe, which was launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and a second-generation BMW 1-Series. The rest of the line up at Shanghai will include the BMW 6 Series Convertible and Coupe models and a new M5 sports saloon.

The automaker gives a hint about a new small displacement three-cylinder turbocharged engine to its line up, and the incorporation of its TwinPower Turbo technology in all the gasoline and diesel variants within the new BMW EfficientDynamics vehicle series. Aimed primarily at improving fuel economy, the automaker sees the technology at work in its upcoming four- and six- cylinder models as well.

More details will come to light in the run up to the Shanghai Auto Show.

via automotiveIT