Technology is truly amazing, but it often means different things to different people.

In the case of hybridisation and electrification, the Asian and German auto manufacturers have sought to highlight separate elements. In terms of the Asian brands, the focus is on fuel economy, while the Germans have tapped into the performance and luxury aspects of the technology.

Their hybrids, while fuel-efficient enough, and use the fact that electric motors are inherently smooth and silent and are able to deliver their peak power from start, to endow their vehicles with mind-warping acceleration and effortless cruising ability. Add these attributes to what is already one of the leading premium sport utility, ahem… activity vehicles around, and you have the BMW X5 xDrive50e.