BMW will expand its line-up of plug-in hybrid models with the addition of the X3 xDrive30e at the end of the year.
It uses the same powertrain as the BMW 330e, giving an all-electric range of 34 miles and CO2 emissions of 49g/km.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine develops 252PS when combined with the electric motor. There is also an XtraBoost function that increased power output by 41PS at the touch of a button.
Drive is transmitted – both in hybrid and electric modes – via an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox and xDrive all-wheel drive. It enables the BMW X3 xDrive30e to accelerate from zero to 62mph in just 6.1 seconds.
Regenerative braking helps to optimise efficiency. The system’s high-voltage battery stores the energy captured during braking, with the electric motor taking on the function of a generator. The high-voltage battery also supplies the vehicle’s electrical system. This means that a generator powered by the combustion engine is no longer necessary, increasing overall efficiency.
The battery is located under the rear seat to save space, helping to deliver a luggage capacity of 450 litres.
Production of the new BMW X3 xDrive30e will commence in December 2019 and it will be joined by an ell-electric X3 model, due to make its debut in 2020. Prices will start at £47,565.
The new plug-in hybrid X3 joins the larger X5 xDrive45e and will soon be part of a trio of low-emission BMW SUVs when the X1 xDrive25e is launched early next year as the seventh plug-in hybrid offered by BMW.
Other models already available are the 330e, 530e and 745e saloons, plus the 225Xe Active Tourer.
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
john4870 - 06/11/2019 14:59
And what is the fuel economy with the battery depleted, when it acts as a normal 'hybrid' - is it as rubbish as the 330 e 3-series??