Plug-in hybrid for BMW X3 xDrive30e

The new BMW X3 xDrive30e is the third Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) in the brand’s model range to feature a plug-in hybrid drive and power transmission to all four wheels, with up to 55km electric range.

The BMW X3 model in the premium mid-range will in future be available with a conventional combustion engine, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system and a pure electric drive – the latter expected in 2020.

The four-cylinder combustion engine and the PHEV’s electric motor generate up to 215kW of power.

The intelligent four-wheel drive system BMW xDrive and BMW eDrive technology combination reduces average fuel consumption to 2.4-2.1 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions amount to 54-49 grams per kilometre.

The combined power consumption of the new BMW X3 xDrive30e is between 17.2 and 16.4kWh per 100km.

The PHEV will be produced from December at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, USA, the worldwide market launch due from about mid-2020.

The plug-in hybrid drive system produces 420Nm torque, accelerating to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds and reaching 210km/h.

The electric motor can be used for pure electric mobility or to support the combustion engine.

In Max eDrive mode, which can be activated via the eDrive button on the centre console, the new BMW X3 xDrive30e achieves a top speed of 135km/h with a locally emissions-free and virtually silent drive unit.

In the standard Auto eDrive setting, purely electric driving is possible at speeds of up to 110km/h. The combustion engine only switches on at higher speeds or when there are particularly high load requirements.

The battery control setting keeps the charge state at a level determined by the driver. In this way, the power supply can be specifically reserved and used for local emissions-free driving on urban roads during a lengthier trip.

The 12kWh lithium-ion battery under the rear seat and fuel tank above the rear axle., allows 450 litres of luggage space which can be extended to 1500 litres by folding the rear seat.

The battery can be charged using household sockets in less than six hours, or about 3.5 hours using a BMW i Wallbox.

The charging socket is on the front left side wall of the car, and the battery also supplies the 12-volt vehicle electrical system.

The BMW X3 xDrive 30e also comes in the model variants Advantage, xLine, Luxury and M Sport. Acoustic pedestrian protection and an auxiliary air conditioning system are included as standard, the latter controlled from a smartphone using the BMW Connected App. Digital services support the driver in finding public charging stations, enable the charging process to be controlled via remote functions and transmit information relating to charge status, electrical and combined range and individual energy consumption to the driver’s smartphone or other personal devices.

Almost the entire range of optional equipment available for the conventionally powered versions of the BMW X3 is also available for the plug-in hybrid model. Another feature is a tow hitch that can be electrically swivelled out and in, with the SAV having 2000kg towing capacity.