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BMW X3 xDrive 30e

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By Jonathan Crouch

The X3 xDrive30e is a very complete PHEV package for customers searching in the premium part of the upper mid-sized SUV segment. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the revised version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 48

BMW's X3 xDrive 30e delivers the Munich maker's plug-in technology in a practical, classy and very efficient package, though there's a premium price to pay. Still, you might well feel that this eco-minded mid-sized premium SUV could be all the car you'll ever need. Here's the revised version.

Backgroundword count: 135

Think of an electrified BMW and you tend to think of the i3. The Munich maker has also developed three other full-electric models, the i4, the iX3 and the iX, to sit alongside that car in its EV range. These partner in the showrooms with plug-in versions of most of the company's major models, including this car, badged the X3 xDrive30e; it's the plug-in BMW we're going to look at here. This PHEV variant uses much the same drivetrain already employed in BMW's 330e plug-in model, a car that's proved very popular with business buyers. But there are differences, plus the X3 body shape is obviously more practical. All in a package that delivers tax-friendly electrification but without the range anxiety you might feel in an iX3. But can it justify the inevitable premium pricing?

Driving Experienceword count: 299

It's easy to just think that this X3 xDrive30e carries over completely the powertrain from the brand's more familiar 330e. And to some extend it does. As with that car, this mid-sized SUV uses a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor, but that motor is a slightly less powerful one in this case, rated at 80kW rather than 83kW. The drive mode set-up in this X3 isn't quite the same as a 330e either, the xDrive30e using the slightly older tech from the 530e. That means you get 'Max eDrive' EV setting for full electric progress. And 'Battery Control' (which can hold the car's charge until you need it). Plus there's the 'Auto eDrive' option you'll most commonly use, which seamlessly mixes the electrical and combustion power sources as the software sees fit. The engine and electric motor's standard combined output is 252hp but this set-up also has an 'XtraBoost' feature, an on-demand performance system that increases the power output of the hybrid-drive system by a further 41hp at the touch of a button. The all-electric top speed is 87mph - full top speed is 130mph. Drive is transmitted - both in hybrid and electric modes - via an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox and xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive to enable the xDrive30e to accelerate from zero to 62mph in just 6.1 seconds. And there's a WLTP-rated all-electric driving range of up to 34 miles. One feature we really like is 'Anticipatory Hybrid Drive'; this uses data from the navigation system to decide how to use the PHEV system. The car might automatically switch into all-electric mode through a low-speed school zone for example. Or use battery power when driving uphill if there's a long downhill stretch afterwards where the regeneration system can recharge the lithium-ion cells.

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Pictures (high res disabled)

Statistics (subset of data only)

Min

Max

Price:

£47,565.00

£50,215.00

Insurance group 1-50:

38

39

CO2 (g/km):

49

Max Speed (mph):

130

0-62 mph (s):

6.1

Electric WLTP-Rated Driving Range (miles):

34

Combined Mpg:

128.4

Length (mm):

4716

Width (mm):

1897

... and 2 other stats available

Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Hybrid, Plug-in, Electric & Hydrogen

Performance
80%
Handling
80%
Comfort
80%
Space
60%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

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