BMW X5 eDrive electrifies SUV (pictures)

In conjunction with the launch of an update to its X5 SUV, BMW showed its commitment to new, efficient drive technologies with the X5 eDrive concept. This plug-in hybrid version of the X5 makes use of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 70-kilowatt electric motor driving all four wheels through BMW's xDrive system.

With a full charge of its lithium ion battery pack, the X5 eDrive can go about 19 miles under electric power. With the combined power of gasoline engine and electric motor, this X5 hits 62 mph in under 7 seconds, according to BMW.

LED headlights minimize electricity usage at night, and BMW colors the prominent grille fins blue, a shade used to designate its electrified vehicles.

Front fender vents differentiate the X5 eDrive from the standard X5 model.

BMW equips the X5 eDrive with a telematics system, which lets the owner monitor battery state from a smartphone app. Different modes let the driver choose maximum electricity use, best performance, or hybrid operation for longest range.

Although not used on a production car at this time, "eDrive" joins BMW's sDrive and xDrive designations. sDrive applies to rear-wheel-driven cars, while xDrive is BMW's label for its all-wheel-drive models.