Let’s investigate. The X3 had its most recent facelift in 2018 and will mostly remain unchanged in 2020. It is now available as a plug-in hybrid, which combines the two liter four cylinder engine with an electric motor. Previously, it was only offered as a rear wheel drive four cylinder, an all wheel drive four cylinder, and an all wheel drive six cylinder.
In This Article...
BMW’s X3 plug-in hybrid was discontinued, giving the company no presence in the rapidly expanding EV SUV market.
In a press statement announcing its revisions for the next model year, the company revealed that the plug-in hybrid BMW X3 xDrive30e has been discontinued for 2022.
The absence of the all-electric iX3 from the American market leaves BMW without a plug-in option in the rapidly growing market for entry-level luxury SUVs.
For the 2020 model year, BMW had just added the updated X3 plug-in hybrid to its range. The 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission of the X3 xDrive30e were combined with an electric motor that was jammed into the transmission housing. 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque were produced by the entire system.
The electric range of the all-wheel drive X3 xDrive30e was rated at 18 miles, with a combined efficiency rating of 60 MPGe. It achieved EPA-rated fuel economy of 24 mpg combined while operating in hybrid mode. BMW also stated a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds.
The all-electric BMW iX3 was scheduled to arrive in the United States about the time the updated X3 plug-in hybrid went on sale. We’ve contacted BMW to ask if the withdrawal of the X3 plug-in hybrid is connected to the automaker’s decision to abandon plans to import the iX3 here.
The popular X3 SUV has two variants: the X3 xDrive30e and the iX3. According to BMW, the 6-cylinder X3 models will gain a 48-volt mild-hybrid system in 2022, featuring regenerative braking adapted from plug-in hybrids. However, the larger iX SUV and the i4 will soon be available at American dealerships.
In contrast, we’ve noticed that the newest plug-in hybrid models from BMW feel divided in their priorities during recent drives, neither promoting the electric side as much as they could nor persuading the driver of the benefits of performance or efficiency. So perhaps there won’t be much that we miss after all.
Cons
The plug-in hybrid version of BMW’s small luxury SUV is called the X3 xDrive30e. It should not be confused with BMW’s iX3, the company’s first effort at a fully electric SUV. Instead, like its competitors the Mercedes GLC 300 e, Audi Q5 TFSI e, Jaguar F-Pace P400e, and Volvo XC60 Recharge, the X3 xDrive30e fills the gap between normal gasoline variants and electric ones.
Its hybrid powertrain has many benefits over traditional gasoline and diesel engines. First off, the plug-in X3 has a fuel efficiency rating of about 140 mpg and emits only 45 g/km of CO2. Given its low Benefit-in-Kind tax rate of just 12% until at least April 2025, it is a great choice for a corporate vehicle. Additionally, it has a 30 mile pure-electric range.
The X3 plug-in hybrid’s astounding 288 horsepower is the result of the combination of its 181 horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline engine and 108 horsepower electric motor. The XDrive30e plug-in hybrid comes standard with four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, unlike other X3 versions.
The BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid makes sense for private purchasers as well, but company car users will benefit from it the most because of its lower emissions, which keep BiK expenses down. Its price isn’t significantly different from the diesel-powered X3 xDrive30, thus choosing the plug-in option will really result in savings. This is particularly true if you frequently take short excursions or need to perform errands like the school run because you can accomplish both on just power.
The promised 30-odd miles are only doable under electric power with a full battery, so if you practice excellent charging habits, you won’t spend any petrol on the majority of shorter journeys. On longer travels, the electric motor can be used in conjunction with the gasoline engine without a problem, although as is the case with the majority of plug-in hybrids, economy suffers after the battery is depleted.
The good news is that the X3 plays up to BMW’s reputation for producing vehicles that are fun to drive; it’s a little heavy and the petrol engine can drone when it starts, but performance is solid and there’s plenty of grip. Although it isn’t particularly athletic, it feels grounded and secure.
The roomy, well-appointed cabin is built robustly and has one of the best interiors in its class. The addition of batteries reduces the amount of space in the trunk, but the 450-liter boot is still comparable to that of its plug-in hybrid SUV competitors.
All things considered, the plug-in hybrid X3 is an enticing substitute for its gasoline-powered sister as well as its competitors from Mercedes, Volvo, and Audi. Continue reading the rest of our comprehensive review to learn more about the X3 xDrive30e.
As the model embraces electrification, the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid has been spotted.
Though most automakers are giving up on plug-in hybrids as they get ready to switch to all-electric vehicles, BMW isn’t putting all of their chips in one basket. This is made abundantly evident once more by spy photos of the updated X3 with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
The prototype, which has “Electrified Vehicle” badging, has a charging port on the front fender. However, we can see an exhaust pipe tucked away under the back bumper, indicating that this model isn’t all electric.
Leaving that aside, the model incorporates certain design elements from the previously released X1. While many elements are hidden by the camouflage, it appears that the vehicle will have an almost vertical front fascia like its smaller sibling. Also visible is a lower air intake that appears to be more streamlined in design than the X1’s.
As you move backward, the bodywork becomes more streamlined and the shoulder line becomes more dynamic. A softly sloping roof and flush-mounted door knobs are additional characteristics. Additionally, the length and wheelbase of the X3 seem to be larger than before, suggesting that it has expanded in size.
The crossover has a recognizable rear spoiler and a lower-located license plate recess, but there isn’t much to see in back.
Although the specifics of the model’s powertrain are currently unclear, ICE, PHEV, and EV choices are anticipated. Rumors suggest that we can anticipate a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and three distinct plug-in hybrid models. Rear-wheel drive is anticipated for the entry-level plug-in hybrid while all-wheel drive may be an option for the other two.
A mild hybrid, is the BMW X3?
New 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain (6-cylinder only), new exterior colors, and new wheel options are among the changes for the 2022 BMW X3. restyled exterior design
How does a BMW X3’s hybrid system operate?
The vehicle in question is the 2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e, a compact luxury SUV offered with rear- or all-wheel drive by the manufacturer. The “e” in “xDrive30e” stands for all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid, respectively (“xDrive” in BMW lingo).
It has a four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 181 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque, as well as an integrated electric motor with 107 horsepower, which together produce 288 horsepower and 310 pounds-feet of torque. That represents a noticeable increase over the 2.0-liter engine’s normal output of 248 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet in the four-cylinder gas-powered X3 xDrive30i. A 12-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack under the back seats, which the EPA claims will enable the X3 PHEV to travel up to 18 miles on pure electric power alone, supplements that electric motor. The X3 PHEV’s combined fuel economy rating from the EPA for 2020 is 24 mpg, which is right in the middle of the four-cylinder X3 xDrive30’s (26 mpg) and six-cylinder X3 M40i’s (23 mpg) ratings.
The inclusion of the electric power system does make the SUV slightly heavier when you weigh it because all that equipment increases the curb weight of the vehicle by more than 400 pounds. However, it doesn’t significantly reduce the amount of interior space; according to BMW, the changes to the fuel tank and battery placement result in a loss of only 1.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the back seats.
The two important driving modes for the X3 PHEV are hybrid and electric. The X3 chooses whether to use both powertrain components in hybrid mode, but it only goes as fast as 68 mph in electric mode. When you choose Electric mode, the car stays in that configuration until the battery runs out, although you can go up to 84 mph while doing so. Of course, you won’t get close to 18 miles of range if you’re driving in Electric mode at 84 mph. So how far can it actually travel on only EV power?
Has the BMW X3 been phased out?
Is the BMW X3 being phased out? A: BMW has not stated that it intends to stop selling the X3 as of December 2021. But according to BMW, the X3’s plug-in hybrid model, the xDrive30e, will be replaced by a mild hybrid model for the 2022 model year.
Are BMW X3 vehicles dependable?
With a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, the BMW X3 is ranked 10th among luxury small SUVs. Poor ownership expenses are indicated by the $1,034 average yearly repair cost. You might make a few more trips to your BMW shop than usual because X3 repairs are more common.
Does the BMW hybrid self-charge?
You may enjoy all the financial advantages of a hybrid without needing to charge your vehicle. While you’re driving, the electric battery charges itself, and the motor is employed to improve fuel efficiency.
The motor regains power when you break, giving you more miles for your money while emitting fewer tailpipe pollutants.
The ideal way to start driving electric is with a self-charging hybrid vehicle. They’re also perfect if you want to go electric but don’t have access to convenient charging stations because you can top off the battery without plugging in.