Reports: Future BMW X5 to get a range-extender option

Car news reporters from Germany are quoting unofficial statements from BMW that the company may once again introduce its cars to range-extender hybrid powertrains.

BMW’s only REX hybrid so far was the compact-sized i3 REx. It featured an internal combustion engine that acted solely as a power generator for an electric motor. Later on, the Bavarian automaker switched to building PHEVs and BEVs instead, seemingly disinterested in range-extenders.

It now looks like they may be making a comeback, after all. According to the rumors, the first vehicle to take advantage of this powertrain type will be a Neue Klasse crossover envisioned as the replacement for the current X5. With a generator on board, it may be good for more than 1,000 km (621 miles) per gas tank.

BMW hasn’t issued a comment yet.