BMW also aims to extend its petrol-electric hybrid range, which currently stands at seven models. The plans call for the introduction of a so-called Power-E-Drive system to give future BMW hybrids greater performance potential. The new system uses two electric motors — one on each axle — and can support either a four-cylinder petrol engine, as used by BMW’s existing hybrid models, or a six-cylinder unit. The six-pot hybrid powertrain is expected to feature in a new large seven-seat SUV, the X7, which is due in 2018.