BMW X5 xDrive40e

Technology: Plug-in petrol hybrid

Acceleration: 6.8 seconds

Top Speed: 130mph

CO2 Emissions: 77 g/km

Economy: 85.6 MPG (combined)

Official EV driving range: 19 miles*

Power: 308bhp

BIK percentage: 13% (15/16); 15% (16/17); 17% (17/18)*

Arrival date: Spring 2015*

*Estimated

Building on the success of the new X5, BMW has created a plug-in hybrid version.

Using a 2.0 litre four cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric unit, the X5 xDrive40e sees technology used in its show-stealing i3 and i8 models feed down into more conventional machines.

Going up against the likes of Audi’s forthcoming Q7 e-Tron and the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, the dual power X5 boasts impressive performance and economy figures.

The electric motor will cover around 19 miles on zero-emission electric mode and will take around three hours for a full charge.

As with many plug-in hybrids, the system lets you use electric only, petrol only (while charging the batteries) or a combination of both. To maximise fuel and battery efficiency, BMW uses a sophisticated navigation system to automatically select the most suitable driving mode depending on conditions and terrain.

Elsewhere, the X5 is spacious, well equipped and engaging to drive for such a large car. With the usual highly-capable chassis, excellent eight-speed automatic gearbox and ergonomic cabin, the hybrid version of the X5 will begin to make you reconsider the diesel version you had your eye on.