(March 18, 2015) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.  — The BMW X5 xDrive40e, the company’s first plug-in hybrid Sports Activity Vehicle, charts the next chapter of BMW’s ongoing EfficientDynamics initiative. Benefitting from the groundbreaking work by BMW i on electromobility, the X5 xDrive40e combines the company’s award-winning 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery, integrated into its 8-speed automatic transmission.

This newest BMW SAV can travel approximately 13 miles on pure electric power, ideally suited to short commutes and quick trips around town. Working in concert, the gasoline engine and electric motor puts out 308 horsepower and produces 332 lb-ft, enough to propel the X5 xDrive40e from 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.

As the name implies, it features BMW xDrive, the company’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, for optimal stability and traction under all circumstances and road conditions. Early preliminary estimates put U.S. EPA mileage estimates at 55 MPGe. The 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e will arrive in U.S. showrooms this fall.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e is the first plug-in hybrid production model from the core BMW brand. It combines the versatility and luxurious ambience of a full-sized Sports Activity Vehicle with the traction offered by the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system as well as BMW EfficientDynamics eDrive technology for top efficiency.

The new BMW drive system comprises a four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The lithium-ion high-voltage battery pack can be topped up from any 120-volt/15 amp electrical outlet or — quickly and conveniently — from the BMW Charging Station, as well as at public charging stations.

The high-voltage battery, which also supplies power to the battery for the 12V electrical system via a voltage transformer, is housed underneath the luggage compartment floor, where it is particularly well protected in the event of a crash. The BMW X5 xDrive40e offers a luggage capacity of 34.2 – 72.5 cubic feet.