Based on the same 306bhp six-cylinder petrol engine as the 535i, it has a 55bhp electric motor housed in its eight-speed gearbox, which allows pure-electric driving at speeds of up to 37mph and while off-throttle on the motorway.

Using the motor for a power boost, the ActiveHybrid 5 offers a combined 340bhp for straight-line acceleration and reaches 62mph in 5.9 seconds from rest. It also returns up to 44mpg with CO2 emissions from 149g/km – a double-digit percentage improvement over the standard car.

The car features the familiar ECO PRO driving mode as the latest EfficientDynamics models, which manages energy flow to boost efficiency. This uses the motor as a generator under deceleration or braking, and switches off and decouples the petrol engine while coasting at speeds up to 100mph.

All of the power electronics are linked to its navigation system, which analysises the route ahead and adjusts on-board systems and drive components to maximise economy.

ActiveHybrid 5 models are marked out by discreet badging on the C pillars, a redesigned kidney girlle and matt chrome tailpipes, while 18-inch Streamline light alloy wheels are available as an option. Inside, hybrid-specific information such as energy flow and battery charge are shown in the bespoke central dashboard display.

BMW has yet to announce pricing for the ActiveHybrid 5.