Features
4 Nov 19

BMW X3 xDrive 30e: another premium crossover gets plugged

Volvo and Mercedes-Benz have long been the only premium OEMs to offer a plug-in hybrid crossover in the D segment, with the XC60 T7 Twin Engine and the GLC 350 e, respectively. Audi just recently joined the party with the Q5 55 TFSi e Quattro and now it’s time for the Bavarians to make their appearance.

Like its competitors, the brand new X3 xDrive 30e is a four-wheel drive crossover powered by a turbo-charged two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor. In the case of the BMW, the latter produces 80kW and is fed by a 12kWh lithium ion battery, 10.8kWh of which are effectively usable. The result is a combined CO2 rating of between 49 and 53g/km (NEDC 2.0)

Under WLTP conditions it can drive up to 46km on a single charge. Topping it up takes 3.5 hours at a wallbox and six hours at a regular household socket. The new BMW X3 xDrive30e is equipped with an auxiliary air conditioning system as standard and can be ordered now, with deliveries starting in spring 2020. Like its conventionally powered siblings, the PHEV X3 is produced in Spartanburg, USA. 

Authored by: Dieter Quartier