BMW X3 xDRIVE30e

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NEW CARS TESTED AND RATED

TESTED 8.8.20, GERMANY ON SALE NOW

BMW X3 xDRIVE30e

Mid-sized SUV borrows the plug-in hybrid powertrain from the excellent 330e

No one can accuse BMW of failing to offering sufficient choice. Not with the X3, at least. With the addition of the X3 xDrive30e to its line-up, the German brand now provides buyers with four different types of powertrain for its mid-sized SUV: petrol, diesel, electric and, as seen here, a combination of petrol and electric.

It’s an impressive achievement that has been made possible through the inherent versatility of the CLAR platform – a structure developed from the outset to support all four types of propulsion. It also brings the X3 into line with the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, both of which offer the same number of drivetrain choices when you count the related E-tron and EQC electric models within their respective line-ups.

The latest plug-in hybrid BMW is based around the conventional petrol X3 xDrive20i. However, some significant engineering changes have taken place to allow it to offer electric-only running for up to 32 miles, together with combined fuel consumption on the WLTP test cycle of between 117.7mpg and 134.5mpg – figures that qualify it for company car taxbusting average CO2 emissions of between 49 and 54g/km.

Up front, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivers the same 181bhp and 221lb ft as it does in the X3 xDrive20i. It’s supported by an electric motor, mounted within the front of the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox, giving 107bhp and 195lb ft. This makes for a total system output of 288bhp and 310lb ft, which is channelled to each wheel via BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system.

To put this into perspective, the rival Q5 55 TFSIe delivers quite a bit more power (362bhp) but less torque (273lb ft), while the GLC 300e offers 316bhp and 516lb ft.

Nevertheless, these outputs are sufficient, claims BMW, to provide the 1990kg X3 xDrive30e with a rather pacey 0-62mph time of 6.1sec and a top speed of 131mph, including a maximum of 84mph on the motor alone.

The electrical energy used to run the motor is sourced from a 12.0kWh lithium ion battery running at 354V and mounted underneath the rear seats, with the petrol tank relocated to a position beneath the luggage compartment at the rear. This means that boot capacity is put at 450 litres – some 50 litres less than that offered by conventionally powered X3 models.With no rapid charging capability, top-ups will take more than 2.5 hours

TESTER’S NOTE The tax savings offered by the X3 xDrive30e are enticing, especially for company car drivers, but its true fuel-saving potential is realised only with regular charging. GK

Interior remains highly impressive in terms of both practicality and luxury

Recharging, via a plug mounted under a flap in the front left wing, is claimed to take 2hr 36min using regular 230V mains power.

Inside, the X3’s elevated driving position affords excellent visibility and comfort. The multifaceted digital instrument display, infotainment screen and the optional head-up display of our test car provide it with an air of modernity, while the overall perception of quality is quite high.

With the motor able to provide propulsion on its own, the X3 xDrive30e sets off in a pleasingly smooth and near-silent manner in Comfort mode. Response is excellent, as is refinement.

On light throttle loads at city speeds, the car remains under electric power, provided there’s sufficient battery charge, without having cause to rouse the engine. Request further performance, though, and the petrol engine is quick to engage. However, the transition process isn’t entirely seamless, as we’ve witnessed in rival plug-in hybrid SUVs.

With the two power sources working together in Sport mode, the X3 xDrive30e delivers convincing accelerative ability in its lower gears, as hinted at by its 0-62mph time, which is more than 2.0sec inside that quoted for the X3 xDrive20i.

However, refinement takes a hit as a result. The engine is willing on a loaded throttle, but it’s also quite vocal at anything above 4000rpm. As such, the X3 xDrive30e is better suited to cruising in the higher gears at lower revs.

You can choose to run on electric power alone by pressing a button on the centre console. To do so, though, is to accept that the battery charge will quickly be depleted at anything more than typical urban speed limits. There’s also a battery save mode that lets you preserve electrical energy for later by favouring the engine.

The added weight brought on by the motor and battery means the X3 xDrive30e isn’t quite as dynamically adept as its conventional petrol and diesel siblings. While its handling remains tidy, its body rolls more during cornering in spite of its firmer damping, and the overall ride isn’t quite as finely matched.

BMW’s efforts to maximise energy regeneration also give the brake pedal an overservoed feel.

This four-wheel-drive hybrid does, however, deliver outstanding traction and all-season appeal. It’s hardly a bargain at £48,505 but, by offering average CO2 emissions below the politically sensitive 50g/km mark, the X3 xDrive30e promises to provide company car drivers with significant tax savings compared with its petrol and diesel siblings.

Looking beyond this aspect, it’s also an excellent all-rounder, combining impressive real-world economy with solid performance, relaxed cruising manners, secure handling and a driving range that can’t be matched by its electric sibling, the recently unveiled iX3.

If you can live with the small compromise in versatility brought on by its reduction in boot space and have easy access to electricity for regular charging of its battery, whether that’s at home or at work, it could just be the SUV for you. GREG KABLE

It isn’t quite as dynamically adept as regular X3s, rolling more in spite of its firmer damping ❞

Performance is improved, thanks to motor, but ride isn’t as good

BMW X3 xDRIVE30e

Impressive SUV is made all the more appealing by the promise of low bills AAABC

Price £48,505 Engine 4 cyls, 1998cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor Power 288bhp (combined) Torque 310lb ft (combined) Gearbox 8-spd automatic Battery 12.0kWh Kerb weight 1990kg 0-62mph 6.1sec Top speed 131mph Economy 117.7-134.5mpg CO2, tax band 49g-54g/km, 10-13% EV range 32 miles RIVALS Audi Q5 55 TFSIe, Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e