Photo of BMW X5 xDrive40e courtesy of BMW.

Photo of BMW X5 xDrive40e courtesy of BMW.

BMW's 2016 X5 xDrive40e will be the first plug-in hybrid vehicle from the automaker when it arrives in U.S. showrooms in the fall.

The X5 SUV variant will be equipped with a 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.

The compact SUV runs approximately 13 miles on pure electric power, ideally suited to short commutes and quick trips around town. Its gasoline engine and electric motor puts out 308 horsepower and produces 332 lb-ft, enough to propel the X5 xDrive40e from 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds. This vehicle offers permanent all-wheel drive.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e also comes standard with a Driving Dynamics Control switch, just like the conventionally powered model variants of the sports activity vehicle. This can be used to activate the vehicle set-up modes COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO.

BMW will begin selling the vehicle in Europe, and has said it expects U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy ratings to come in at 55 miles per gallon equivalent.

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