Make your daily drive a little more electrified. No matter where you need to go, the lineup of plug-in electric hybrid vehicles from BMW is charged and ready to go. It’s an electric version of the Ultimate Driving Machine.
Based on the charging level, quickly view all BMW plug-in hybrids’ charging times and ranges. Please be aware that PHEV models do not support DC Fast Charging.
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.
The Trip
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?
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.
It is what?
BMW eventually unveiled its second fully-electric production vehicle before the end of 2021, over ten years after introducing the i3. And it appeared normal this time.
In actuality, it is common. There are numerous X3s. which, larger than the 3 Series, is really BMW’s best-selling vehicle. The X3 is currently available in full-electric, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, and diesel forms. The unicorn-pee-powered variant is widely anticipated.
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: Yes, there is a plug-in hybrid version of the BMW X3 available.
The BMW iX3 is entirely electric.
The BMW iX3 is an entirely electric car (BEV). The BMW iX3 is capable of 210 kW of power (282 hp). 295 lb-ft of torque is the maximum. The rear-wheel-drive BMW iX3 can reach 62 mph in 6.8 seconds and has a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 6.8 seconds.
The BMW X3 is a hybrid, right?
Does the BMW X3 have a hybrid version? A: Yes, there is a plug-in hybrid version of the BMW X3. This vehicle is propelled by a plug-in hybrid system that combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 12-kWh battery pack and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Is there a hybrid or electric BMW?
The popularity of electric cars (EVs) is beginning to rise as automotive technology develops. All completely electric automobiles, hybrids, mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel-cell vehicles are together referred to as “electric vehicles.” Despite the fact that these phrases indicate a little difference between the cars, they all strive to reduce emissions.
Purchasing any type of electric vehicle has many advantages. Electric vehicles offer significantly reduced running expenses after their initial higher price, as well as maintenance and repair expenditures. This implies that you could end up saving thousands of dollars throughout the course of your vehicle. The greatest benefit, however, is the significant impact these cars’ zero or very low emissions have on the environment.
Now, you might be thinking that even if EVs are quite practical, driving one is probably not that exciting. We’re here to tell you that you couldn’t be more mistaken. In addition to offering a smoother drive and quicker response times than certain conventional fuel-powered cars, electric vehicles may accelerate more quickly.
The market currently offers a variety of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) from the German automaker BMW. The BMW 330e Sedan Plug-in Hybrid, BMW 530e Sedan Plug-in Hybrid, BMW 745e Plug-in Hybrid, and BMW X5 xDrive45e Plug-in Hybrid are some of the models in this lineup.
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.
How fuel-efficient is the BMW X3?
The driving range of the BMW X3 varies depending on the trim level drivers select. The RWD sDrive30i, which can achieve up to 29 miles per gallon, is the BMW X3 model with the highest fuel efficiency. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that it performs best given that All-Wheel Drive consumes more gas.
Does the BMW X3 allow for in-car charging?
Due to regenerative braking technology, which enables the vehicle to recover some of its energy during deceleration, both electric and plug-in hybrid BMWs are able to charge while they are in motion.