BMW will formally introduce its Concept X5 eDrive at the next month's Frankfurt Motor Show alongside its other green offerings the i3 EV and i8 Hybrid. Based on the recently revealed third-gen X5 SUV, the new concept is, in BMW speak, a sport activity vehicle (SAV) that's powered by a new-generation plug-in hybrid drivetrain. That consists of an unspecified TwinPower turbo-four unit paired with a 94-hp electric motor backed up by a lithium-ion battery neatly concealed under the boot floor. That battery enables the X5 eDrive to travel 19 miles and hit speeds of up to 75 mph.

Combined with piston power, 0-62 mph can be done in less than seven seconds, while economy is an impressive 61.9 mpg and CO2 emissions below 90g/km. In addition to pure electric and intelligent hybrid, BMW also offers a 'Safe Battery' mode that maintains the current battery charge. Setting the eDrive apart from the conventional X5 is touches of blue on the kidney grille slats, air intake bars and rear bumper inlay, aerodynamic 21-inch alloys, and special roof rails. There's also a connector for the charging cable that lights up during charging, which can be done from any domestic power socket and dedicated charging points, and that lives in a dedicated compartment in the boot.